The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Festival organizers are watching the weather and making final arrangements for Sisters' first Folk Festival, which will be held from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. The festival will feature

three storytellers and a variety of musical talent including the finalists in the festival's songwriting contest.

The entertainment will start at Pine Meadow Ranch at the west end of Hood Street in Sisters from 1 to 6 p.m.

Festival organizers recommend that the audience bring a blanket or lawn chair and sit back and enjoy Jon Bowerman, Fossil's contribution to the world of cowboy poetry and Russ Shallock, who as "Critterfoot" will tell tall tales of the fur trade era.

Musical performances by the Folk Festival Sound Check Band, O'Connor and Marbin, The Traceys and Windfall will also take place at Pine Meadow Ranch. The High Desert Celtic Society Country Dancers, complete with bagpiper, will perform in traditional costumes. The festival will continue at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. O'Connor and Marbin will set the mood with hammered dulcimer and guitar. Susan Strauss, a local storyteller with a national reputation will perform and Peter Yeates, an Irish balladeer who has performed throughout North America, will close the festival.

Festival organizers reported a large and enthusiastic response to invitations to participate in the songwriting contest.

Over 40 songs were submitted for consideration, by songwriters living all over the Pacific Northwest. Ed Fitzjerrall, a Folk Festival Steering Committee member, was gratified by the response.

"Years ago, I used to enter a similar contest at the Kerrville, Texas folk festival. It was great fun, so I suggested we try it in Sisters. We sent flyers to over 200 music stores throughout the region. However, the time to generate interest was pretty short. So, I think it's great that we received as many entries as we did. The finals should be quite competitive and audience reaction certainly will have some impact on the judges."

Finalists competing for a $500 "winner take all" cash prize will perform their original material on the stage at the middle/high school auditorium.

Seating capacity at the school's auditorium is limited to about 550, and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

"Those who want particularly to see Susan Strauss, Peter Yeates and the songwriting finalists perform should plan ahead," said festival steering committee member Dick Sandvik. Sponsors and organizers believe they've put together an event that will appeal to all ages. Tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors and children under 12. Smoking and alcoholic beverages won't be permitted at either Pine Meadow Ranch or in the school auditorium. Food and beverage service will be provided at Pine Meadow Ranch by the Sisters Kiwanis Club and people may feel free to pack a picnic lunch.

"We hope the event is well attended," said Sandvik. "We intend to make the folk festival an annual event, and want to show future patrons and sponsors that this a cultural activity worthy of their support."