Fair raises funds for local groups

While members of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters admit to having a lot of fun along with the work of preparing for their upcoming community fundraiser, they will tell you the best part of it all is the opportunity to give it all away.

The church members are preparing for the 15th Annual Country Fair & Art Show, a two-day fundraising event which solely benefits local community outreach agencies. Held annually on the second weekend of August, this year on August 13-14, it is the biggest undertaking of the parish each year.

Committees work for months preparing jams and jellies, gathering merchandise and prizes for the popular silent auction, and planning for the fair event, which provides the people of Sisters with a variety of activities and tasty options.

The art show is held in the church community hall, beginning on Friday evening, along with the silent auction. The art show is a juried show and sale unique to the area, drawing entries from more than 50 regional artists, and offering something for everyone.

The art show and silent auction continue on Saturday, in addition to the outdoor Country Fair. Saturday fairgoers enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun that includes children's activities, face painting, cake walk, mustang horses, and entertainment for the whole family.

The Country Store features fresh produce and local crafts for purchase. The tree-shaded church grounds provide the perfect setting to enjoy picnic treats prepared on the grill at "Café Transfig," and famous marionberry cobbler.

Since the Country Fair & Art Show began in 1995, the church has distributed all funds earned through this annual event back into the community to help others. The 2009 Country Fair & Art Show benefitted local agencies including: FAN (Family Access Network), Arts Discovery (Sisters Middle School), Healthy Beginnings, NeighborImpact, Saving Grace (Battering and Rape Alliance), SMART, Together for Children, Bethlehem Inn, Habitat for Humanity, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, Sisters Park & Recreation District and Women's Resource Center.

More than $15,700 was donated.

The church is located at 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. in Sisters. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 541-549-7087.