
Likened to Burning Man and renowned for its eccentricities, the Oregon Country Fair returned to Veneta, Oregon last weekend. Held on the second weekend of July each year, the festival features three full days of activities. This year’s fair offered 18 stages of comedy, music, theater, juggling, daredevils, and other acts.
Aside from the people-watching–many come in costume and toplessness is permitted–participants enjoyed wandering performers, parades, festival food of all types, face-painting, and community events such as a drum circle. Musical styles ranged from folk to blues, slam poetry, jazz, and rock. A marching band, stilt-walkers, and giant puppets strolled the fairgrounds.

The heart of the fair is the Community Village, made up of local non-profits. The volunteers at these booths aren’t there to ask for money; instead, they promote their cause, whether it’s health, the environment, or political action.
For many, the Oregon Country Fair is an experience that resonates with them and which they return to every year. For others, it’s a one-time experience. Either way, it’s an opportunity to explore a different side of yourself and a playground for people of all ages.

For info, visit http://www.oregoncountryfair.org.
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