The last week of July brings its lazy heat to the Willamette Valley, good for a dip in the local swimming hole, or better yet, a ride on the Ferris Wheel or a jaunt into a Mythical Realm.
The Lane County Fair is coming early this year, Wed the 24th through Sun the 28th. The week kicks off with $2 ride and game day Wed, Grange day on Thurs where from 2-6 kids are free, Ride bracelet day Fri, and Sun from
11-1 free admission with 3 cans of food for the food bank. You can also donate a pint of blood for a day pass. Check the fair’s website for details. http://atthefair.com.
If eating too much cotton candy then riding the Tilt-a-Whirl isn’t your thing, there 4 notable festivals to choose from this weekend.
Fairieworlds returns to Emerald Meadows Friday through Sunday with world inspiring arts and crafts, workshops for “living the mythic life” and camping is available. Day and weekend passes still available. To see music and vendor lineup http://faerieworlds.com/
For the electronica crowd, What the Festival is returning for their second year at Wolf Run Ranch. Billed as Oregon’s version of Burning Man,the event features Indie/Electronica dance music and DJs, art and sculpture installations, along with Vaudeville performances and workshops. Last year’s WTF sold out at 3,000 revellers. Be sure to check the website if you plan on heading out there. http://whatthefestival.com/
If the mellow vibes of reggae and world beats are more your speed, your best bet for music this weekend is the Northwest World Reggae Festival in Marcola. In it’s 9th year, the NWWRF is a showcase of Roots, Rock, Reggae with headliners this year including Prezident Brown and Third World. Weekend and day passes are available. Sunday pass is only $10. http://www.nwworldreggae.com for tickets and lineup.
And last, but certainly not least for this hot weekend roster, the Blacksheep Family Reunion in Tidewater. The Coast Range provides the perfect setting to the family friendly music and arts festival started by followers of the Grateful Dead and other touring bands years ago. Go to http://www.blacksheepfamilyreunion.com/ for more information.