The last of August and the first of September has been the traditional 11 day run of the Oregon State Fair.  It’s a friendly combination of food booths, musical shows, and critter watching during the day and bright lights, fireworks, and rides at night.

Robert, my husband, puts his hard work and love into his booth, which is part of the Artisan Village.  This unique part of the fair features artists who not only sell their work, but demonstrate it.  He brings his torches, kiln, supplies, and even sets up a special viewing area with safety glass.

As much work as there is, Robert loves the customers that drop by the booth.  Most of the year he works in the shop behind our house (a rather solitary task).  But during the fair he embraces one and all, shows them his newest marbles or turtles, and touches bases with the other artisans in the area.

The highlight of the fair is when his grandkids drop by for a hug before prancing off to visit the petting zoo or buy a special fair treat.

This year was Robert’s 8th and last year.  Sadly, Oregon has bit by bit privatized more of its attractions, on the backs of artists who can not afford doubling or tripling booth prices. He has loved it, but it’s time to say goodbye to the Oregon Fair as it moves into its new more commercialized era.

He’ll remember the fun and all the great people he worked along side in the Artisan Village. Robert will even probably take a day and visit the fair he has been too busy to see for the last 8 years.  There’ll still be plenty of 4-H kids showing their cows, sheep, and llamas.  Music with the crazy good smells of food booths will fill the air.  There’s not a better place around to people watch.  Hope you can make it there some year.