What to do and see in Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley: The Best Cultural Events

Reviewed By eyee2017

This annual event is nearing its 50th Anniversary in just a couple of years, providing ongoing philanthropic culture to its local communities. The magic is strong, powerful, and ever evolving. Hosting a plethora of performance stages offering everything from top notch musical acts to the most interpersonal performances, a multitude of fun and educational activities, acres upon acres of juried-in vending, and sweet fields for frolicking and relaxing both, the Oregon Country Fair truly has something to offer everyone! Personally I have really come to enjoy XAVANADU, a 6-acre field of open space mixed with mature oak trees, and programming that includes a large wood-floor dance pavilion with class acts in a plethora of genres, sponsored art installations, flow and movement activities, areas for relaxing and resting, as well as the StewardShip which offers educational workshops and presentations. StewardShip's "mobile passport station" is the hub for the fair-wide Passport Scavenger Hunt featuring generously sponsored grand prizes raffled among three categories of participants. There are amazing vendor booths representing a multitude of art/crafts and wholesome foods, including artisan cupcakes and herbal elixirs to name a few. Second runner up is probably the Ritz Sauna where it's easy to let the hours pass while enjoying the wood burning saunas & showers, paired with musical performances and acts to keep you entertained as you enjoy. Overall I'm also very impressed with the Oregon Country Fair's commitment to sustainability which is confirmed through its many programs for reducing, reusing and recycling as witnessed through the durable silverware at all food booths, and a rideshare program offering fair goers free shuttles to and from the site, to name just a couple. There's just really too much fun stuff going on to accurately cover it all in a brief review, so I highly recommend you experience the magic yourself. Next year....