Photos of 2016 Oregon Country Fair (a fair like no other)

Ah, bliss. Today Laurel and I made our annual Oregon Country Fair journey in space (south to Veneta, outside Eugene) and time (back to the spirit of the 60's). 

Even though the day was cloudy, cool, and occasionally a bit rainy, the fair was as weirdly enjoyable as it always is. Here's photos of our experience. (click to enlarge)

Even before we got to the ticket-taking area, there was a dragonish' indication that this fair is like no other in the country. Indeed, the freaking cosmos. 

Arriving at a bit after 1 pm, we got a delicious Indian-food lunch from a booth right inside the gate. Sitting down to enjoy it, we were entertained by some athletic performers.


Then, ooh!, good timing. A mini-parade came by.


There's something for everybody at the fair. We came across classical music early on in our stroll through the fair's pathways. 


The setting of the Oregon Country Fair is marvelous. Nature is a constant backdrop.


Booths are filled with quirky wares. These elicited "never seen anything like that before" utterances from us. 


Sometimes the belly-dancing venue is overflowing with people. Today, it was easy to get a good seat. With a beautiful view. 


The next performer had a different dancing style. And lots of tattoos. 


Laurel has good taste. She thought I'd like this creatively tie-dyed shirt. She was right! Naturally I had to wear it right away after buying it.


Nice sentiment for these sometimes-hateful times. Well, for all times, really. 


Even the trash/recycling bins at the fair are artistic.


This path performer caught my eye, not surprisingly. As did her "Tip for photos" sign.


Must obey. A dollar bill in the tip jar elicited a graceful slow-motion statuesque thank-you gesture.


The booths selling artistic stuff are decorated equally artistically. 


We encountered a maxi-parade!


I loved the varying color schemes of the paraders.


My favorite photo. There's so much joy in the air at the Oregon Country Fair. 


This folk singer had a rapt audience. Some of them were more alive and human than others. 


Here's the hula hoop area, which is near the juggling area, which is close to the dancing area, which is a little ways away from the children's art area. The fair isn't just for watching. It is for doing also. 


When we got home, naturally Laurel had to try on some matching tu-tu's that she'd bought at the fair for herself and ZuZu, the family canine who didn't get to go, because only service dogs are allowed at the fair. 


ZuZu seems happy with her gift. Though I have to admit, she seemed even happier with the dog food I put in her bowl a few minutes later. 

Comments

[Meredith]

Delightful photos and description! Wish I would have gone. :-(

[Renee]

Thanks for taking me with you virtually....I'd never been before...next year I'm going in person😀😄

[Steve In Seattle]

I am so truly appreciative of your postings, particularly those from the Oregon Country Fairs of recent years.

And please forgive me, because I'm new to your site, but do you have any photos from the 2017 and 2018 Fairs, which I would also love to view?

I went to my first Oregon Country Fair way back in 1980. My spouse, who was then my girlfriend, first attended in 1993. We've gone together every year since then---with the exception of 1995 when she had to go to a close friend's wedding---and our son who is 14 just finished his 15th OCF.

We absolutely love it there.

Again, thanks for posting these wonderful images and terrific accompanying text. Maybe we will have the pleasure of meeting you along the paths next year when The Oregon Country Fair celebrates its 50th anniversary!

[Brian Hines]

Steve, I wasn't able to go to the 2017 and 2018 Oregon Country Fairs. Yes, they're wonderful. Must be unique in the entire country, maybe the world.