Fairgoers enjoy old-fashioned fun

The annual Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration Country Fair and Art Show went off without a hitch under clear, calm skies on Saturday.

A constant stream of visitors ambled through the church parking lot where the booths were set up. Strains of old-time music wafted through the air all around the event.

The youngsters were kept happy with a bubble blowing pool, face painting, a bouncy castle and the petting zoo. A cake walk welcomed participants of all ages, including a sheep who accompanied his owner, Monte Moss.

New this year was a mustang corral, suggested by Sisters resident Gayla Nelson and organized by several Central Oregon mustang owners. They are all friends who love to share the virtues of their previously wild horses.

Shellie Simmons, a Redmond trainer who incorporates scriptural principles into her training philosophy, demonstrated some basic groundwork. She noted that the mustangs are fearful, untrusting and sometimes dangerous in their early encounters with humans, just like some people are in their first encounters with God. She maintains that a careful building of trust creates a calm and willing animal.

Another mustang owner, Marietta Roby, said, "We want people to realize that these are attractive, trainable and available horses. The old perception of ugly, unmanageable wild horses is changing. These are well worth the effort."

A mainstay of the Country Fair is the homemade Marionberry cobbler with a large scoop of ice cream. That booth stayed busy as long as there was cobbler to sell. The Café Transfig also did a brisk lunch trade.

Freshly baked treats, fresh garden vegetables and handmade craft items were available in another booth. And the bookworms found a treasure pile in a booth filled with every sort of title from grade school primers to bestselling thrillers.

The church hall held the annual art show, which was judged the night before.

A silent auction consisted of items donated by church and community members and many Sisters businesses. The bidding was brisk on several, and organizers were pleased with the results.

The final tally won't be in for a few weeks, but the amount is expected to be around $13,000. And it all goes back into the community, supporting local agencies that serve children and families.