Today Laurel and I made our annual pilgrimage to a 60's vibe (decade, not our ages) via the time machine of the marvelous Oregon Country Fair. It's held on beautifully wooded grounds near Veneta, outside of Eugene.
If you've never been, go! Wherever you live.
A few days ago Laurel flew home after visiting friends in Wisconsin. On the plane to Portland, she sat next to a woman from Iowa who was going to spend all weekend at the fair.
There's nothing like it anywhere in the United States, for sure.
Temperature was in the mid 80's. Perfect weather to wear a homemade set of armor. As you'll see, fairgoers wear anything and everything. Including, almost nothing.
We encountered this magical fivesome early on in our fair travels.
Many booths nestled in the trees offer up terrific shopping opportunities. Laurel was tempted to wear some flowery thingies in her hair.
Temptation wasn't resisted. After all, the fair has "Yes, Yes, Yes" emblazoned all around. You're supposed to give in to temptation.
Loved this guy's look. (No, my camera's color isn't out of balance. He truly did have a green beard.)
At the Oregon Country Fair I definitely find it more entertaining to wait for Laurel as she shops.
At the main stage, this bird creature was dancing rhythmically with the music.
Another large bird looked rather ominous. But I never saw it try to peck anyone. Love and gentleness prevail at the fair. Every time I bumped into someone, both of us said "Sorry." Politeness abounds.
Eventually everyone at the fair looks normal. Except for people dressed excessively normally.
The crowd at the main stage is embraced by... whoever they are.
Yes, there is security. But it's as wild and wacky as everything else at the fair. I'm sure some problems arise. However, we've never seen anyone even raise their voice in anger, much less act angry. Flower power!
Like I said, eventually you cease to be surprised by what anyone is wearing. Whatever. Do your thing. Yes, yes, yes.
Erotic artwork.
Creative spoon sculpture.
Father Nature and his two female vixens had just finished posing more formally for another photographer. I caught them relaxing afterward. They picked a great background. When I first glanced at the photo, I thought the guy had disappeared somehow.
The parades that snake through the fair from time to time are amazing. And indescribable. Pictures have to tell the tale.
Here's another part of the parade story.
Laurel found a friend who also likes purple.
Oh, yeah, there's some deep philosophy scattered around the fair. Sign says, "What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?"
Dancers at the drumming circle. Laurel told me some men were dancing also. Funny. I didn't notice them.
As we walked back to our car, black leather-clad belly dancers on stilts entertained us. Man, I so love the Oregon Country Fair.
I visited the 2012 Oregon Country Fair and had a great time. There were a couple of vendors that I wish I had gotten their cards. Is there anyone who can help me find them? One site was a woman who fashioned clothing out of recycled sweaters. One dress I liked was $600.00/// another vendor had wedding type dresses// they reminded me of a Tim Burton influence// A black and white layered dress was $3,000.00. I mention the prices in case anyone else remembers. If you can help, I would appreciate it.
Posted by: Glenda Cox | July 22, 2012 at 09:38 PM