The Western Oregon Exposition will be held Aug, 16-18 at 2000 N. Douglas Ave. Photo Provided
On the third weekend of August, a long-held Cottage Grove tradition will bloom again.
Friday, Aug. 16-18, the Western Oregon Exposition (WOE) will ride again. The stated mission of the fair is: ”The purpose of Western Oregon Exposition is to be of service to the community, carrying on the American tradition of old-fashioned fun, entertainment and education in a safe, family-friendly environment.” Ken Schwieger, WOE president, wanted to emphasize that last point: ”We are going to have lots of fun things for kids to do!”
Just a partial listing of the kid-friendly experiences to be had include Dr. Delusion’s Comedy and Magic show, National Guard climbing wall, Grand Prix PineCar races, swinging rope monkey bridge, dunk tank and open mic. New this year are the mega water slide and the zorb ball races.
There will also be live music on three stages every day; the Lumberjack Competitive Logging Show; food and craft vendors; exhibits of agricultural harvest, art and handiwork, livestock and scrapbooking; crafts demonstrations; antique engines and farm implements; beer and wine garden; and WOE Royal Court activities.
The Royal Court selects youth who have a record of working to better their community and helps develop their public speaking, etiquette skills and grow their self-confidence. This is not a beauty pageant; these young women and men from four age groups are encouraged to continue their academic achievements and community involvement. Throughout the year, youth selected to the court will serve as ambassadors of the WOE.
One aspect of this down-home family fair is the exhibited items. It is fascinating to see all the talent within our community. Categories range from textiles to livestock. There are six divisions, from preschool to senior. There is exhibit form on the WOE website and entries may be brought out from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 15. Livestock can only be entered from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug 15.
There are still vendor and volunteer opportunities. Contact Skye Hefner at 541-942-6150 or email: [email protected].
More info: woeheritgefair.com or on Facebook W.O.E. Fair and Logging Show. See you there!
Did you know?
Cottage Grove, with its strong agricultural background going back to its founding, has had annual exhibitions of the bounty of the rich Willamette soil as since early in the 1900s.
The earliest fairs leaned heavily on grains. There was a time when the sweet pea was celebrated community-wide, then poultry. The exhibits have been held in the open air, City Hall, the Armory, Jefferson School and vacant buildings. Incorporated in 1952, WOE changed its name from South Lane Fair and found a permanent home at 2000 N. Douglas Ave., property donated by Stanley Daugherty.
Dana Merryday can be reached at 541-942-7037 and [email protected].
