Sisters area chamber revamps slate of summer events

Gary Frazee shows off his Outlaw Daze prototype. The new event, scheduled for May 29, is one of several new Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce events. photo by Jeff McCaulou

The Sisters Village Green will see new action this summer when the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce presents its seasonal events.

"After 25 years of doing the same events it's nice to try something different," said events coordinator Jeri Buckmann.

The June craft show has been eliminated in part because there's already a big event in town then -- the Sisters Rodeo.

Event-goers will now have two days in July to buy and sell their arts and crafts at the Sisters Summer Faire, scheduled for July 3-4.

In August, Sisters will see the first annual Bead Stampede.

Why beads?

"Beads are a big thing. It's hot," said Buckmann.

The Bead Stampede is set for August 7-8.

The show will include antique beads, handmade beads and trade beads. There will also be the Sisters Antique Faire, August 21-22.

The Sisters Area Cham- ber of Commerce is also unveiling the first annual Outlaw Daze on Saturday, May 29, which will benefit the school foundation.

Participants can buy an "outlaw" and float it down Squaw Creek in a whimsical race.

Outlaw Daze was the brainchild of Gary Frazee.

"I've dreamed of this event for years," he said.

Jeanne Nolander, administrative assistant, said, "We wanted to upscale our events; to bring something fresh into town.

"The mission statement of the chamber is to enhance the economic vitality for members of the community," Nolander noted. "This is one way of doing that."