BALANCE & STRONG BACKS ARE KEY
WE COULDN’T DO Every year, we return to this land in spring to a fresh challenge, the task of fitting our event to a changed landscape. This year was particularly challenging; winter storms and heavy rains sent the Long Tom River out of its banks repeatedly, causing bank and path erosion and transforming the parking lots into lakes. Then, the first day of Spring, a rare wet and heavy snowstorm brought down or damaged many large trees and understory shrubs throughout the Fair site. Ever since the snow melted and the floodwaters receded, our volunteers have been hard at work; Tree Crew, VegeManEcs and Site Crew have labored to clear the paths, booths and meadows of fallen trees and make the site safe for the flood of human visitors that join us in July. Much appreciation for the leadership of Steve Tracer and Tom Stoopes and to Cody and Alex, our daring high climbers. Many thanks to Andy Strickland, OCF Caretaker and Jeff Johnson, OCF Groundskeeper, for
IT WITHOUT YOU! the extra effort this spring required and for their steady stewardship all year round. Kevin Hillery and Jon Schaeffer provided expert arboreal advice and their work nurturing the Shady Grove Maple extended its lifespan. Many thanks to Ken Ward for the big chipper and to Jeff Levy and our friends at Balance Restoration Nursery. The donation of native plant material from Balance has helped to ease the sense of loss; planting new trees lifts our spirits.
The production of this big event involves the contributions of many volunteers who all deserve thanks; here are a few in particular - Buck Morris, Eric Kazmar, Nini Henriksen and Nate Gunn, the skilled mechanics who keep our trucks and tractors running, David Hoffman, Jim Sahr, Michael Head, David Krieger and Shane Harvey and Site Crew. Big thanks to Aaron Holmes and Glenn Johnson who continue to lead our efforts to care for the indigenous wildlife inhabiting the Fair site. Many
GOALS OF THE OREGON COUNTRY FAIR I The Oregon Country Fair shall increase the diversity of all aspects of the Oregon Country Fair community. II The Oregon Country Fair shall maintain and improve our land and facilities. III The Oregon Country Fair shall steward our lands in accordance with ecological standards. IV The Oregon Country Fair shall support artists and entertainers. V The Oregon Country Fair shall create participatory events and experiences that attract and include more youth and elders. VI The Oregon Country Fair shall support a healthy and dynamic culture for participation by volunteers and members. VII The Oregon Country Fair shall foster better communication and information exchange. VIII The Oregon Country Fair shall clarify its priorities and systems for community outreach and philanthropy. IX The Oregon Country Fair shall improve its organizational effectiveness.
thanks to our neighbors who work to turn our hayfields into parking lots: the Mauldin family, the Wallstrom family and Mark McFarland. The complex operation of the Fair site relies on a number of suppliers and service providers: Buck and Janet Pelroy at Ecosystems Transfer and Recycling, Sunmark Seeds, Marshall’s Fuel, Dave Love and Culligan Water Systems, Jim Stephens, John Logue, Jim Thurman, Lane Forest Products, Conser Quarry, Skip Tracer and crew, Paul Fuller, Scott Ellison, Clair Johnson, NAPA in Veneta and many others, many thanks to all of you. Steve Wisnovsky OCF Site Manager
FAIR GEAR ALL YEAR After your day of blissful entertainment and rollicking fun, you just might want to take a piece of the Fair home with you. Each year, the folks at Commemorative Sales have your desires in mind as they present a selection of handpicked, peach-infused memorabilia. With a booth on the Left Bank near the Blue Moon stage and another across from the Rabbit Hole, they are perfectly situated for you to grab a goodie on your way in or out. As you’ve seen in years past, Commemorative Sales mark each year with a special bandanna. Stop by to see this year’s design! We also have some from last year. We will again be carrying our bumper stickers and copies of Suzi Prozanski’s book Fruit of the 60’s. Returning this year is the Squirt-A-Shirt: You
buy a white shirt from us with the OCF Peach logo and take it to one of the two stations where you get to dye it yourself using the squirt method. Check booth for times. Get geared up now!
These goals are the result of our multi-year Vision Quest process which is stewarded by the OCF Vision Action Committee. They are reviewed and revised on a regular basis as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the Fair.
PAGE 5