http://kezi.com/news/local/180406
July 6, 2010
By Susan Gager
VENETA, Ore. -- The 41st Annual Oregon Country Fair kicks off this
weekend and organizers promise to offer all the same great food,
crafts and entertainment they offer every year, but with a few new twists.
More than 3,500 volunteers are hustling to put the Oregon Country
Fair together. Craft and food vendors are starting to wander
in. The grounds will transform into a venue for more than 40,000 visitors.
Jay Hogan is the guy in charge of ambiance. One thing he did was to
create a stage so visitors can interact directly with the music, art,
and environment all around them.
"Much of the entertainment at the fair is on stage. There's also
path performers, giant puppets and stilt walkers, musicians who
stroll," said Jay Hogan, Ambiance Crew Coordinator.
This year there are 18 stage areas for a range of artists from local
musicians to street performers. Although not set up yet, one stage
generates electricity through "pedal power", others will use solar panels.
And after 40 years, even the prep work is a labor of love.
"It's also kind of a family reunion. For many people here it really
charges them up for a year, and inspires a creativity with all the
amazing art that people get to experience here," said Hogan.
Sales are above last year's and fair organizers say it's events like
these that boost the local economy.
"The crafters and most of the food vendors are from this area and
Oregon. So when you come here and spend money, you are supporting
Oregon," said Marcus Hinz, Oregon Country Fair Executive Director.
The Oregon Country Fair runs for three days starting Friday at 11
a.m. there is a free shuttle that runs from Eugene to the fair grounds.
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