July 13, 2008

Alright. Oregon Country Fair...

life changing.

Seriously though, I went to the fair this weekend, and had probably the best time of my life. You come out of there a different person. Now, for those of you like Konrad who think the OCF is a country fair (as in ye-haw, cowboy hats etc) you are quite wrong. In the words of Jared: "its a crazy hippie party out in the woods" honestly, its like the Saturday Market on crack mixed with Tarzan.

I got in to Eugene Thursday night, and stayed with my sister and her three roommates and best friend in their new house. The next morning, we grab our tickets put on our tie-dye and head for the trees. The line of cars is HUGE and it takes us a while to get out there, but even when we were still in the parking I knew this was something special. A man got out of a car near us dressed head to tow in a gigantic green leafy wood-nymph costume. Two "fairies" with no shirts on followed him out of the back seat. Their breasties were all dolled up, and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

After a short walk among the flashy and not-so flashy visitors, we arrive at the gate. Men and women on huge stilts lined the bag check welcoming you to the fair. And in to the woods you go. The cool shade is a welcome relief, and the people watching can NOT be beat. Ever. Anywhere. Except perhaps at Burning Man. There are fairies and elves and tigers, and sequins and dreads down to your knees, and glitter... booths and tents literally hanging from trees, built up in groves, there are leafs covering the floors of some, tree branches in others, and dirt in most of the rest. They sold tie-dye ponchos, "peace chains" (I got two) hena, prayer flags, marbles, pine-needle baskets, capes, art, pan-guitars, and the most delicious food to be found in the state.

You wander in and out of the light as the trees allow the sun to shine through. You might perhaps make your way to the Meadow where you can watch sword-eaters, hoola-hoopers, flag twirling, and mad dancing to a live band. Or, if you fancy, walk over to the Drumming Tower where who ever wants can bring their drum and add their beat to the loud rhythm that is IMPOSSIBLE not to dance to.. Honestly, I think Caela and I danced there for at least an hour.

I can not quite explain the mayhem, or the people, or the atmosphere, but it was peaceful, and loving, and seriously crazy. But if you are a girl and go, and decide to paint up your boobs, be watching out for the old hippie men with cameras who will try and sneak a picture. And for the men, don't feel bad you can join in too, there were loin-clothes galore! Even a completely naked man or two in the magic show!!!

Gosh. What a weekend.

Man.

-Emily
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