Country Fair offers assortment of fun

The lines at the Sweet Tooth booth started early on Saturday as folks waited despite the chilly overcast August morning for their piece of Marionberry cobbler at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration's 18th annual Country Fair and Art Show.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department had their big red firetrucks on display to educate the community about fire safety.

"We've been coming here to the Country Fair over the years," said Jeff Liming, volunteer captain and coordinator. "We open up our fire vehicles to prompt fire safety. The kids like to come up and walk around to see the flashing lights. It's a good learning experience, and the kids get their own plastic fire hat."

The Country Store was bustling with folks who bought fresh vegetables, olive oils, home-baked goods and hand-knitted hats.

"I have volunteered here at the Country Fair for 12 years just because it's so much fun," said Eloise Barry of Sisters, as she handed a patron a baggie of her home-made butterscotch brownies. "All the proceeds go to the community. It's a wonderful event."

Gourmet Garnishes offered Marionberry jam, peanut brittles and fudge with samples for everyone.

Even though the weather was threatening, you couldn't hold back the kids from the petting zoo, where they got some hands-on interaction with sheep and goats and snakes and chickens.

Gayle Walker from Sisters brings her granddaughter every year.

"We just love the Country Fair," said Walker as she eyed a ball python that Wendy Henderson, snake hobbyist, displayed on her arm. "I think snakes are cool. We really enjoy the petting zoo."

"This is Wendy's second year showing off her collection of snakes," said Linda Monahan, petting zoo coordinator. "The snakes are a real hit."

This year Christine Cole brought an added attraction to the zoo - a mini La Mancha goat named Paisley and her two young babies, or kids.

"This is my third year bringing all the animals," said Cole. "It's great fun and everyone learns something about each animal."

The music was provided by Ron Diller and his grandson Kyle. Diller is known for his classic fingerpicking.

Little folks were able to express their creative side at Craft Corner. The chalk drawing drew a lot of attention, too.

Hungry folks waited in line for the smoked St. Louis spareribs or a variety of hot dogs that Café Transfig offered.

Shortly after lunchtime, the Country Fair was treated to entertainment that nobody expected.

A flash mob dance presented by The Central Oregon Round-up Square dancers began their festivities, and the crowd cheered them on (see related story, page 5).

Inside, the church held the juried art show and silent auction.

"I'm delighted that we have 49 artists participating this year; it's the most we've ever had," said Margery Guthrie, art director for the Country Fair. "We have the best art this year, and I've been doing this for 14 years. All the proceeds from the silent auction and art show go to local charities and families."

All the items for the silent auction were donated by local artists and businesses.

Artist Linda Robinson won Best of Show for her watercolor titled "Lewis and Clark" in the juried art show.

Watercolor landscape artist Patricia W. Porter won first place for the watercolor "Autumn Warmth."

"It's one of my favorite places to show my work because 30 percent of the proceeds go to help the community. It's a joy," said Porter.