OCF 2025

July 17, 2025 by

Oregon Country Fair 2025 – a Review

Hey there, I’m back from another Oregon Country Fair (OCF). My head is still a little scrambled, and it’s been 3 days since my return from the fields and forests of Veneta, Oregon. This year was another hot one – daytime temps were in the high 80s, and then for the 3 days of the Fair, temps climbed into the 90s. This ends up having an effect on Fairgoers and those who volunteer for the Fair. Right before this year’s OCF a new documentary about the event came out. It’s about an hour long and does a great job of showing off various aspects of the Fair. Enjoy.

About those volunteers, there are thousands of them. That’s something notable about this event that’s different than anything I’ve attended before. The amount of people and people-hours that are poured into this event is quite incredible and makes for a giant family of people who work together to create Fair Magic. Most events have a ratio of volunteers (or paid staff) of about 10 or 20 attendees for every ticketed customer. In the OCF case, it’s much closer to 1 to 3 – a very low ratio (if you know the exact figure on this, please let me know). I volunteered as a musician this year, playing for kids at Sesame Street and Wally’s Way stages.

This episode brought to you by the inexpensive construction headphones I schlep everywhere to help me sleep during loud music and other noise at festivals like this one. And while I’m here, these headphones are part of a 11 life tips series that you can sign up for here. For some great background music while reading this – try out Fair TV – which is streaming the shows from the main stage as I type this – 7.17.25.

So, besides the great food, wonderful music, interesting spoken word, an incredible 1st annual Friday night burlesque show (go in 2026!), and interesting crafts, there are things that are not obvious. Oh yeah, the costumes, people on stilts, marching bands, cute kids, and all sorts of serendipity – there are a few things I want to talk about that are not obvious unless you’ve been coming a while.

Networking.

I am lucky to get to Fair a few days before the official event begins. This meant the Wednesday before Fair for me this year. This led to wandering the 8 and connecting with many craft vendors and other volunteers before the event opens. Some of these relationships have been going on for years. I see you booth L12, Wileyware! As someone who helps small businesses with email marketing, my conversations are sometimes about how to help the crafters market their wares – both at the Fair and beyond.

Wileyware

Wileyware

I got into a conversation with Skeeter Duke, who’s been coming to the Fair since close to the beginning. He talked to me about the intention of the Fair at the start was for people to come together and network. Figure out how to create a new society together. How to take the ideals that were being discussed in the late 60s and spread them through the community and work, and build together. I’m going to keep learning about this intention (there were newsletters back then, and many elders from the time still carry on this effort today). There’s so much to say about this. And I think this part of the Fair is a little obscured by the pageantry part.

 

For example, the Fair features 2 big areas devoted to organizations doing interesting environmental activist work that create all sorts of opportunities for education, but also networking. These are Energy Park and Community Village. I think most people and the booths themselves are missing a big opportunity that I hope to elevate here. We tend to approach the booths at Fairs as consumers – these people behind the table or wall have something to offer us. Maybe it’s a blintz or knish. Maybe it’s tie-dyed socks or a beautiful guitar or earrings. But maybe it’s wisdom. Maybe it’s an internship for someone you know. It goes deeper than that. Here’s an example.

While I was sitting in the Ritz** (an incredible collection of saunas and showers – one of the main reasons I go to the Fair, actually), which is also a great place for networking (or catching up with friends, or group singing in the sauna). Anyway, I look up and see the smokestack puffing smoke. The Ritz burns a lot of wood each year at the Fair, and that smoke is spewed into the air and breathed by fairgoers. I’d been thinking, as I’m learning about woodsmoke, how do we electrify the Ritz? The saunas could be running on electricity and sparring fairgoers (and the region) a little bit less woodsmoke in the air. I ended up in a long conversation by someone who’d been on the OCF board in the past and she mentioned Peach Power – an effort to bring more solar panels to Fair. Well, without that conversation I wouldn’t have been able to then have a different conversation with someone from Energy Trust in Energy Park about the same topic.

I work on a few livability issues. Getting Rid of Gas-powered leaf blowers; dark skies Oregon (esp. how to slow the spread of too bring LED lighting); Keeping Trees Standing; and reducing woodsmoke. Mostly, I’m focused on Portland, but everyone could benefit from the work I’m doing.  So, when I’m face to face with someone who is part of an NGO where these issues are related, I see the person on the other side of the table as an ally. This relationship is possible with anyone at any time – but at Fair, things are labeled better 🙂  ie, the booth dedicated to seed swapping in Energy Park is a great place to talk about saving the pollinators. Seeing my longtime kinda guru, Sharanam – we got into a conversation about setting up a show for him in Portland.

Then, there’s lots of sharing back. Letting people in on Fair secrets – or, what I like to call, showing people the door. Not everyone knows that there are a wide variety of ways to participate in the Fair. You can jury in and become a vendor; volunteer to be part of a crew; but it’s also possible to be an SO (significant other/guest of) an elder (that’s how I got my camping pass this year after many years with various booths and crews). This is something that I want to dedicate some time to in the future – figuring out how to get people to Fair who will have a life-changing experience there. People who might not even know the place exists, but who will benefit from being a part of the Fair Family (which is pretty much everyone).

Fair Information

You can get information about the Fair from the Info Booths located around the Fairgrounds (also known as the 8). But there are a ton of other ways – there are a slew of private and public Facebook groups, for instance. For instance, if you’re tired of my spiel and want more pictures, try out the OCF Unofficial group.

And the information is everywhere – from the banter of the performers (which contains many positive messages) to the Peach Pit, which is the printed guide to the Fair – there’s lots to learn about. There’s even a code of conduct! And general guidelines.

I will probably have more to say about the networking topic I started on above.  My learning about how that informed early Fairs, and my own current approach to networking in the small business world, seems to be pushing me into an area I’m not familiar with.  Going to places we’ve never been before!

The hot temps and dust at this year’s Fair were a reminder to me about how fragile our society is. We march our way through, but it’s challenging. I walked around the Fair most of the time with a wet towel on my head that I had to keep wetting. I’m 64, and I noticed aging for myself and others more than in previous fairs. I got lucky and had dinner with a couple of people who’d been to the very first fair and most of them since that time! 52? 53? I saw more alter-abled transport and more strollers this year than in years past.  Watching kids at the Fair is fun – and it’s also fun to see someone in their 80s oohing and ahhhing like they were kids.

I appreciate the deep connections many of you have with each other. I realized this year, more than in previous years, that those who live in Eugene or thereabouts seem a lot more connected than those of us who travel farther to reach the shores of the Long Tom. This year felt more “local” to me. But I also realize that repeat visits and my many loose ties with a wide variety of Fair people do ground me.

Ah, Fair. Thank you. Thank you for connecting me with many of my friends. Thanks for the chance to share time with people who knew my friends who have passed away – Ben Bochner and Amira. Thanks for the chance to gather in a very safe place and find magic. Fair is not perfect, but Fair is Fair!

Until we meet again, Albert Kaufman, 7.17.25

This year’s Resource List!

PS – your comments are welcome! I am always open to feedback.

PPS – here’s my write-up from last year, and that links to previous years. I may do a Resource List for this year in a bit. Joining my email list is a great way to hear when I’ve written something new.

PPS – my friend, Bruce Bartlett had this to say about the Ritz (which turns 50 next year):

“I agree that the Ritz is otherworldly in its effect on people. I have been transformed in there several times. Each time (5) a new level of tension has relented, both somatically and psycho emotionally.

Doing something you (almost always) do in private now openly and relaxed is a powerful ritualistic tool that can dissolve shame. When the internal tension, that is so often held excruciatingly tight in a person who is troubled by their body or their beliefs about it, is finally allowed to release itself, the person enters into a free, open communal space with music and laughter in the background in a way that feels almost surreal at first. I recall the first moment my shower turned off so the splash of the spraying water on me ended. I opened my eyes and started taking in the world around me. The relaxation, conviviality, and acceptance I witnessed filled (informed?) a part of me that had always wanted that sensual environment to exist. Warm fires make for warm conversations. The toning in the saunas still echoes in my mind.

We have created a portal into a profound body-positive world. The fair itself is a towering testimony to the glorious beauty of the body, in a kaleidoscopic, wild, outlandish statement of joy. This celebration in the Ritz of our innate beings with our unique bodies manifests the world as it should be.

Deep appreciation for its builders and keepers. May many be blessed in the portal.”

Thank you, festival culture, for making me who I am.

Philly Folk Festival
Burning Man
Oregon Country Fair
Vancouver Folk Festival
Beloved
Mariposa Folk Festival
Hartford Folk Festival
Middletown Folk Festival
Folklife Festival
Garlic Festival
Singing Alive
Cascadia Songrise
String Summit
World Domination Summit (3)
Neurodiversion 2025

I’m probably missing a few 🙂

And to my Mom and Dad, who pushed me in this direction from the very start

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OCF 2024

July 16, 2024 by

OCF 2024

Hello! Here’s my report about this year’s Oregon Country Fair (OCF). Like life, everyone has a different version of how this event shapes their lives. We all wander about asking each other “Did you see this? Did you eat that? Did you see so and so?” But in the end, you have a map, weather, food, drink, music, theater, crafts, people, costumes, rainbows, and HEAT! This was the hottest OCF I’ve ever attended (15-20 years attending, in a row-ish). Much time was spent grumbling about the heat – and figuring out how to survive and thrive given that condition.

Don’t miss Part 2 – Resources + Booths

If you know nothing about OCF and want a quick video that gives you a magical glimpse, here’s this year’s promo video. For a limited time, they’ll be streaming the main stage acts here.

This Fair is like no other. It’s been going on longer than most and is heavily volunteer-run and organized. It probably has more volunteers than just about any event in the world. Many people involved stay with it for a lifetime. There are many booths (food/crafts) that have been there since the beginning, 55 years ago! People also switch from one crew to the other depending on life circumstances – ex: my partner is on that crew = and I joined that crew. Or, we broke up and I needed a new place to be! I heard a lot of that in one of the many Facebook groups that people gather in to talk about the event. Like this one!

Volunteering is how one earns a pass to be able to stay in the Fair after dark and also usually enables you to camp in or close to the Fair. There are woods and nearby open fields and they are filled with tents, and vans, and RVs. Luckily, after my first visit 20 years ago, I have become “Fair Family” and that gives me this wristband that allows me to go to and fro at all hours. Some people bust their butt all year long and some people do very little for this wristband. But my sense is that it all comes out in the wash. Those who work super hard on this event reap rewards that others can’t dream of. Particularly noticeable is the close community in some of the groups where people put together something magical together while watching their families grow together. Strong bonds are created as well as family and Fair lore!

So, I guess this may be more of an inside baseball reading on the Fair. We on the inside are cautioned to keep our experience on the down-low somewhat. Some of that makes sense, but I’ll try to lean into my own experience – which I think it’s Fair to say is mine to share. If you have feedback for the event, you can leave it here.

So, this year I drove with my housemate to the event on Wednesday and we arrived in the afternoon. Once through Albert’s Circle, we arrived at camp. Our campmates were already somewhat setup and there were a couple pop-ups that made our entry a bit more pleasant. Getting in can sometimes be easy, but sometimes it can be a bear (taking hours to find your name or pay for a parking pass in person). Luckily, this year I was able to pay for my camping and parking pass online – whew! Once I had arrived at camp, I set up my tent, and said my hellos – it was off to the Ritz to luxuriate in the amazing sauna and shower and fire areas.  If you’ve never been to The Ritz it’s really quite something. You pay your money and in you go (please take off your shoes as you enter!)

The Ritz has been there a good long time. When you enter you’ll see an open space with a fire area in front of you; a stage off to the left and in the distance 5 rows of showers (on either side of poles) and then cubbies to put your things. Off to the right at midnight is a giant sauna that can probably hold 70-100 people. The seats are tiered – 4 levels * 4 sets of these. On the edges of the showers are your cold shower – pull on a rope and you are hit hard with cold water! Very cold water! At 2 o’clock from the entrance – more cubbies and a fire area which is cooking just to warm your belly. I’ve never seen anything like it. 3 pm? Another sauna – probably the original – seats about 40 and is round. More cubbies are behind that and then you have more showers and another fire area which also hosts an amazing cobb bench. There’s another of these as you walk in – a great place to sit and relax once you’ve done the sauna/cold water combo a few times. There’s a place to check your valuables (instruments). The stage features acts from the Fair – I’ve played there many times – and it’s so fun to play music for naked people!! Hot showers, saunas, live music, and friends – this place really is my heaven.

Food vendors don’t start selling until at least noon on Thursday so I was on my own till then. Our camp was having a group dinner of jambalaya that night, but I wandered over to visit a friend nearby and he was serving … jambalaya! So, I ate and played music with him and his friends.

 

The only reason I have any pictures at all (if you want to see them all they’re over here) is because of this bench and the others near it (go see the pics!). I never bring my camera/phone to Fair. The last thing I want is to be spending time on my phone (it goes pretty much dark once I have my tent up). But after the Ritz on Thursday morning, I meandered to where these benches sit (not open to the public) and I had a seat. They are brand new, were finished the day before and I think might be made from lumber milled from downed trees on site. OK, one more.

These benches are filled with musicians each night – sometimes until dawn – playing songs for one another and collaborating. It’s a pretty magical place and I usually spend at least a couple of hours there each year, but this year – this was my visit. I sat on the benches and realized – I must show other people the benches and the design – hopefully, places like Breitenbush and elsewhere will create something like this!

The Land

Last year’s storms took a heavy toll on the trees. Many are downed or were removed pre-event. This has also led to piles of wood all over the camping areas. It also led to many booths losing shade this year – making a hot fair even hotter! I hope that the Fair Org is thinking about how to remove these wood piles given we’re now in a wildfire-prone area. I’d suggest sooner rather than later and would be happy to help organize work parties until this is done. Otherwise, we risk losing the forests. Have feedback for the Fair? Here is their feedback form.  The Cascadia Wild/Forest Defense booth had a petition asking the Fair Org. to open the land to indigenous groups who have been gathering here for thousands of years. I signed.

What it’s like to be the Mayor

Being the outgoing person that I am I know a lot of people at this event. I’m sure I’m not the only one. But I am one – I have been called The Mayor (and I usually suggest – there are probably more than one 🙂 – but I am certainly one. This leads to a different type of experience than many people have. I walk a pathway and am often greeted by name frequently. As I get older and everyone else does, too – I am not always able to place the other person, but eventually, we get to where we met and stories unfold.  I spend a lot of time in various booths – playing music and trying the local foods and other offerings. So, this adds up to a lot of connecting and reconnecting every day. I am a humble mayor. I also spend a lot of time interacting with strangers and seeing how things are going with them. I try to leave things much better than I found them 🙂

And back to the Ritz

walking and walking

the dusty paths

saying hello

sharing a kind moment or two

communicating clearly

the truth serum of Fair

One thing that is very clear to me is that at this event people are very real with one another. This often means skipping over the chit-chat and getting right to the meat of things. It might be health-related, or relationship-related – but conversations tend to go deep fast. It’s very refreshing and can lead to deepening relationships, too. There’s also clarity about not over-sharing various logistical things. This is probably an aspect that is more prevalent in the Fair Family world, but it might also be spilling over to everyone – and it’s one more way that life at the Fair is different – and why we cry when it’s over. I saw a lot of crying this year.  People need this type of experience more than ever right now. I heard one child ask: “Why does Fair have to end?” – I’m sure many people would love to have more villaging in their lives.

Heat

It was a scorcher this year – with daytime temps in the high 90s. There were misters; there was encouragement to drink water. Stay hydrated. I’m sure WhiteBird saw its share of heat-related visits. A way I figured out to beat the heat was to have a small towel that I could put around my shoulders (once wet) and even over my head. Whew, without that I don’t know how I would have coped. Also, trying to stay in the shade as much as possible was a strategy. That didn’t work too well when I had to cross town, though.

I like to highlight the craft and other vendors that I meet along the way (plus, the ones I work with!). Here you go,  Part 2!   What’s the story behind these lamps, L48, for instance?

and these glasses – L12 – Wileyware!

My Previous Reviews of OCF

OCF 2014

OCF 2017

OCF 2022 – a very short and different fair

OCF 2023

poem by Sheba Hulsing

Oh Faire how I love thee,
Feet oh so dirty
With a hoarse voice parched
We continued to march
Circuitously we danced
And pranced
Oh so entranced
And romanced
By the beauty of all of you
In your brilliant hues
Tears welled and flowed
At the beauty so bestowed
Each moment a blessing
Especially as we were undressing
To sing oh to sing
Dry cracked voices merging
How our hearts were surging
As we found harmony
As we found harmony
I’m forever changed, each year, again and again. Magic beyond my wildest imaginings and I’m delighted to be so tired and so nourished.
Thank you to the fair family and all the magic that lives in each and every one of you.
Until we dance and play again. I love you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Oregon Country Fair 2014

July 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Oregon Country Fair 2014ocf2014
Face-Painting by Eecole at Energy Park: Photo by Nadi
Hi there,

I thought I’d send this newsletter after returning from the Oregon Country Fair. I’m glad I did. Now I know what to say 🙂  I started writing as I was heading out the door for the Fair, and could not put the words together – instead, I packed, and trucked to the Fair.

The Ritz. I really have to start here. The Ritz Sauna/Shower complex at the Fair is something really special. Here’s a picture of the entrance-way. Photos aren’t allowed inside, so it’s hard to find any online! 
To see some video of the Ritz and a current project there, visit here.
Why do I love The Ritz so much? Well, the Fair can be hot and dusty – then, for a small bit of $, you are welcomed into a world that is pretty unbelievable. Two sections of hot showers; dozens of happy, shiny naked people of all shapes, ages, and sizes – add in 2 large saunas – an older one – circular on the inside – 4-5 levels of seating. And, a second, newer sauna – same height – possibly able to fit 50-75 people – imagine singing, yoga, quiet sitting and a lot of sighing – repeat, washing, rinse, – an area to brush teeth/shave and then to top it off – a lovely seating area with a fire in the middle and some seats around it – standing around a fire to dry off – add then, some of the best talents of the Fair playing music on a small stage by the fire.  Do that for a couple of hours each day and you, too, will see the light 🙂  This year, a new addition was a mid-section high fire, between the changing areas which is brilliant.
If I had my way, I’d live somewhere with such a sauna/shower area available for daily use. I would never get tired of it. But OK, I’d eventually have to step outside, and when you step outside of the Ritz you are faced with so many great pathways, food booths, and smiling faces – it’s hard to figure out which way to go. And luckily, my work with Wileyware affords me a great reason to “be” at the Fair – sharing beautiful practical artistic glassware to people young and old. I realized this year that it’s a treat for people to know about Wileyware – whether they have any or not – to just see it, hold it, and learn about it is a valuable/interesting experience all on its own. And, to watch kids’ faces (young and old) as they pick up a glass and turn it around in their hands – that’s fun!
Wileyware
Part of my Fair experience this year was coming early, setting up camp with friends, and then building our booth.  Here’s what it looks like after a Winter of flooding in the area of our booth! Video by Paxton, who is an OCF Board member.
Our booth imagery starts around minute 2:40 (L12).
Left Bank Walk through
Left Bank Walkthrough – video by Paxton

Building our booth consists of building a floor – think boards, skill-saws, cordless drills and we build and take it down each year when the Fair is done. There is a strong Leave No Trace ethic here – the woods are turned back so it’s hard to find evidence so many people passed through (parades, marching bands, and thousands of visitors for 3 days!).

Then, there’s the music. A long-time favorite of mine is Seattle Jim Page. I’ve been seeing/hearing Jim play (often with Artis the Spoonman) over the years at Pike Place Market and OCF. Here’s a song that Jim played on the main stage that was haunting.

Jim Page - Ghost Bikes
Jim Page – Ghost Bikes Lyrics (if you want to sing along)

One great thing about the fair is that many of the artists will play shows on various stages and then play along the pathways. So, I got to see Jim with hundreds and then with just a couple of people a few hours later. If Jim had great marketing and some luck, he’d be as popular as Bob Dylan. His songs are hard-hitting – and capture what’s really going on in our world. Sometimes the message is hard to hear, but it’s always right on target.

Food: oh my. So so good. From gluten-free cupcakes to falafel to amazing Get Fried Rice – the salads, and egg rolls, and tastes of friends’ choices – simply incredible. Possibly the best selection of food anywhere on the planet.  Food, music, catching up with friends – it was such a wonderful, kind reminder of the beautiful planet we live on and how it’s possible to live in harmony together.

Because, really, that’s the brilliance of the Oregon Country Fair. It’s a picture of how humans can be together – come together and harmonize – be kind to one another – take care of one another – treat each other well.
If you’re ever interested in being a part of the fair (and I mean being someone who is doing something in the Fair which leads to a wristlet allowing you to stay in the fairgrounds overnight) – please let me know. It’s not that hard to find a group to participate with – but planning and effort are essential.
Here are some more photos by Nadi who helped Eecole and Brian in the Energy Park face-painting booth (Grounded).
Well, there you have it – 5 days in Veneta, Oregon – a little taste. You can find tons of pictures on FB right now.  Everyone who attended is posting all of their pics online.
I hope your Summer is going well.  I have a couple of free classes on social media/email marketing coming up – please come or spread the word. Details below!
Take care and have fun out there!
Albert Kaufman
Portlandia!

Upcoming Events

Campaigns That Drive Action: Offers & Promotions & SEO Basics

Wednesday, July 23, 2014, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM PDT
Increase & reward loyalty while driving new customers to your door. And, a special SEO session with Jesús Meca Rodríguez @ Portland Microsoft Office

Getting Your Business Thriving with Email Marketing

Wednesday, August 20, 2014, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT
Getting Started with Email Marketing is the most cost effective way to build your business – join me, Albert Kaufman, for a guided discussion about how email marketing works and how to get up and running. 8.20.14 – great inner NE PDX location. @ Holladay Park Church of God @ 21st and Tillamook, NE
Luna Bell – Photo by Nadi

Addendum: At the Oregon Country Fair this year I saw a woman with the best t-shirt. It spelled out the word B-I-T-C-H on both sides. Here are the words that were written to spell out the word:

Beautiful Intelligent Thoughtful Caring Honest

and then on the other side

Being In Total Control of Herself

 

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Oregon Country Fair 2010

July 13, 2010 by 1 Comment

Oregon Country Fair 2010

Well, that was fun!  I just got back last night from this year’s experiment in family, art, music, craft, thought, science, and transitioning to a different way of thinking and being – The Oregon Country Fair.  This year I worked in the Wileyware booth, helping Marcia Wiley show off her beautiful glasses, taking pictures, fetching lemonade and carousing with our booth mates – Michele, Lori, Dave, Nicky, Olivia, Teresa and their friends.  Lots of people stopped by to say hi, give a hug and share smiles and stories.  At night the Faire becomes a special place with little parties in booths, lots of great food, The Ritz (my favorite place at the Fair) and time to wander the pathways through the forest to the background of a variety of music and special lighting. The Fair has become a very special place for me.  One where I get to reconnect with those that I’ve known the longest out here – Todd Pawolski from Klamath Falls, Amira from Brownsville, Michael Townsend from Eugene and people who I see only at Pacific Northwest Festivals like the Summer Solstice Healing Retreat at Breitenbush, Beloved, Burning Man and Northwest Folklife.  The weather cooperated this year – hot days, and warm evenings. Even Monday’s barter fair which is a special tradition was blessed with overcast weather for much of the time, making walking amongst the various vendors easy on the skin as there’s no shade and it can get hot out in that field.  My feet hurt!  So much walking, and talking, and playing the guitar and flirting and fun!  Yeah!  Here are a few pictures from in front of our booth to whet your whistle.  Thanks to the Oregon Country Fair staff and volunteers for making this year’s Fair fantastic!  A tired, sunburnt, and happy Albert

Fair Pics #1 – Fair Pics #2 – Fair Pics #3 – Fair Pics #4

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