The Oregon Country Fair (OCF) is a vibrant and historically rich event that has evolved significantly since its inception. Founded in 1969 as a benefit for an alternative school, the Fair has grown from a small gathering to a large, self-sustaining annual event that attracts approximately 45,000 attendees each year. It is held on the second weekend of July in Veneta, Oregon, about 15 miles west of Eugene, along the Long Tom River.
History and Evolution
Originally named the Oregon Renaissance Faire, the event was first staged to raise funds for an alternative school. By 1970, it had relocated to its current site in Veneta, Oregon. The Fair’s name evolved over time, and by 1976, it was officially known as the Oregon Country Fair. In 1982, the OCF board of directors established a nonprofit organization, purchasing a wetland that became an integral part of the organization’s land stewardship efforts.
Over the years, the Fair has expanded beyond its original fundraising purpose to become a renowned art and music festival. Despite its growth, it has retained its philanthropic roots, distributing over $600,000 to non-profits in the last fifteen years. The Fair is known for its dedication to unconventional, intentional, and earth-friendly living practices and counterculture, often described as a hippie gathering.
Organizational Structure and Land Stewardship
The OCF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a small number of year-round employees and a large family of volunteers, artisans, and entertainers. It owns close to 500 acres of land and is organized around over 65 volunteer work crews. The Fair has a long-standing commitment to land stewardship, working to live artfully and authentically on Earth while practicing reverence for the land. Efforts include restoring and protecting the fairgrounds and surrounding properties, preserving archaeological sites, recycling waste, and promoting sustainable practices among vendors.
Cultural Impact and Activities
The Fair celebrates music, dance, art, crafts, international foods, and the human body, with a focus on environmental, peace, and justice activities. It offers a juried process for selecting crafts booths and runs volunteer crews, particularly around the eighteen stages that offer entertainment. The Fair has received recognition for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and hold a zero-waste event.
Summary
In summary, the Oregon Country Fair has evolved from a small fundraising event into a significant cultural festival that celebrates alternative lifestyles, creativity, and environmental stewardship. It continues to attract thousands of attendees each year, offering a unique blend of entertainment, art, and community engagement.
Citations:
[1] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/about-ocf/
[2] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/faqs/
[3] https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/oregon_country_fair/
[4] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/schedule/
[5] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/land-stewardship-2/
[6] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/tickets/
[7] https://eugeneweekly.com/2019/05/02/oregon-country-fair-timeline/
[8] https://www.oregoncountryfair.org/the-event/
[9] https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/oregon-country-fair-50th-anniversary/
[10] https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/listing/oregon-country-fair/602/
[11] https://adventurespnw.com/first-time-at-the-oregon-country-fair-the-most-unique-festival-in-oregon/
