Country Fair celebrates 20 years

Every summer The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration hosts its traditional small-town country fair. It's a crowd favorite, and last weekend marked its 20th year. Folks from all around the region showed up for some good old-fashioned fun.

The cool sunny Saturday morning made it easy waiting at the Sweet Tooth Booth as folks lined up for a piece of Annie's delicious marionberry cobbler, while excited kids gathered around the petting zoo, where a menagerie of animals were just waiting for some attention. From horses and Holland lop bunnies to snakes and sheep, there were enough critters for everyone to pet or just get an eyeful.

Volunteer Christine Cole has been bringing her animals for five years.

"It's great fun, and everyone learns something about each animal," Cole said.

Bill and Linda Monahan have been coordinating the petting zoo for many years, and this time there were quite a few added attractions.

"We have a miniature horse named Beauty that Marilyn and her daughter Riley Bronson brought. Beauty is Riley's horse and has been very popular," Monahan said smiling. "And Kathy Sewall brought her full-size horse, Grace, that is 29 years old, is in great shape and loves to be petted. We also have extra sheep brought by owner Sienna King."

Dylan Wetherill from Bend was busy watching his son Courtland trying to pet a silkie chicken.

"This is our first year at the Country Fair and we'll be back," Wetherill told The Nugget. "We came because of the cobbler, but the fair has a lot more to offer than that."

The event wouldn't be the same without Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department and all their bright red fire trucks that engage kids of all ages.

"We have one more engine here this year and are showing them off to the kids, giving out fire hats which are a favorite item, and educating them about fire safety," said volunteer fireman Bill Hayes.

The Country Store is a big temptation at the fair. It was bustling with folks who bought fresh vegetables, olive oils, home-baked goods and hand-knitted hats.

Volunteer Eloise Barry loves the Country Fair so much that she has been bagging purchases for 14 years.

"We have a real variety of baked goods this year," Barry said. "Other than that, we have the same wonderful variety of homemade jams and home-grown vegetables, among other things. It really is a traditional country store."

Little folks were able to express their creative side at Craft Corner and the Kid Zone area where anything was possible with chalk drawing, a bubble machine, a bouncy castle and other games with prizes.

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

Inside, the church held the juried art show and silent auction, and volunteer Connie Gunterman was on hand to talk about her third year as Country Fair coordinator.

"I found that it is a work of love. We have great people that run their own businesses, have full lives and volunteer here each year and get it done!" she said.

Proceeds from the Country Fair benefit numerous local community support organizations.