Vendors thrive at Sisters Summer Faire

Those willing to brave record hot weather last weekend in Sisters dropped into the Sisters Summer Faire. Sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, it ran Saturday and Sunday at the Village Green Park.

Tony Lompa sang and played guitar, entertaining Saturday's crowd. Several people spent the better part of the afternoon listening to Lompa and enjoying the fair's many food offerings.

Crowds were modest, but still some vendors reported they did the best business of any of the Sisters fairs they had attended in recent years.

Approximately 52 vendors from around the Northwest brought their art, crafts, food and photography to the fair. The Chamber contributed space to two noteworthy non-profits: The Hero Quilters and the Veteran's Assistance Program.

The Hero Quilters, who make quilts to send to hospitalized soldiers, showed off a mixed bag of quilts, potholders, and bags. They started offering their quilts to the public as a way to raise funds to make more quilts. Prior to making a presence at local fairs, the Hero Quilters had been contributing material and shipping costs out of pocket. The fairs help.

The Sisters Area Veteran's Assistance Programs is presently applying for non-profit status. Their main function is to provide moral support for vets coming back into society.

"We're not psychiatrists," said vet Tom Barrier, "but as vets, we can listen."

"It's easier for veterans to open up," Tom Salgado added, "because they're talking to another vet."

Artist Barbara Berry brought a variety of her pieces to the show. A longtime Sisters area resident, she has done several posters for Chamber events and in 2006 was awarded the commission for the Sisters Rodeo poster.

"I like doing a circular format in my art. It coincides with Native American themes," she said. "And I like doing ones with women that connect with spirit and emotions. It's through the artists' child/emotion that you connect with work. Some are visionary. Some are connected with nature as I see it."

Susan Adams, of Adams Ranch Pottery in Terrebonne has been doing the show for more than 10 years. She specializes in horse themes.

"I started doing pottery in high school and never got over it," she said. "I teach also, and when you start teaching students they inspire you to try things out."

Jim Tunell, photographer, displayed his unique style from days gone by. He portrays cowboys, Indians, rustic settings, and wild animals that remind viewers of the vanishing West. Tunell re-creates the tones of photographer Edward S. Curtis, known for his Native American photography.

"I like to shoot the wild herds," he said. "It's nicer to shoot wild herds of buffalo than shoot on a farm next to a barb wire background. I also like to shoot large herds. Think of it this way. Two dogs are pets, five are a pack, and when they're in larger numbers they have different behavior."

The Chamber's next fair is Sisters Bead Stampede, at Barclay Park on August 8-9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be a compendium of glass, wood, and clay beads, all handcrafted. Some antique beads will also be on display.