Oregon Country Fair - Meaningful Meditations

Chela Mela Meadow
Well, July has come and gone...and I didn't even do a post. However, for this Lughnasa season I'd like to go back to an event I attended way back in early in the month, for the 1oth straight year in a row, the Oregon Country Fair. This was a very interesting one for me, as I went alone, instead of with my family or friends. I especially want to talk about my second day there, as it was more meditative and thoughtful that the first frenzied shop-hopping day....so much more mellow and enjoyable.

After a small debacle in which I couldn't find my parking pass, had to pay the parking fee, then found it, and then had to walk back and forth to my car to get my $5 back....I decided to stop at a couple "doings' near a field by the Cabal gate. I was in no rush, so I went over to Eyes Wide Open, an exhibit by the Friends (Quakers) on the true cost of the Iraq War. It was very moving, and geared towards Oregonians, with the monetary costs, civilian lives lost comparison and memorial for Oregonian soldiers killed (represented by their empty shoes). Although you cannot see the names in the placard below, actual names of Iraqis killed appear listed above and below the picture.

After this sobering experience, I was in a more thoughtful mood and knew I needed something to transition from a heavy, cruel reality back to the zany atmosphere of the Fair with out forgetting the importance of what I had just witnessed. Fortunately opposite this exhibit was The Labyrinth, a feature which has been at the Fair...for I don't know how long... Most of the fields surrounding the Fair have been cut (hayed?) so people can use them as parking lots and Fair Family as campgrounds, but they leave this one small portion long, and only cut a small winding path...braiding the long grasses into short mounds separating the trails. (Note: The hay is formed into bales and used as "fencing" around entrance gates, inpromptu tables & sitting areas and such all around the Fair - a couple random bales appear below).


This was the perfect method for me to process all I had just seen, I entered the Labyrinth lightly holding onto my new Goddess Rosary, spontaneously deciding to use this opportunity to bless it in use for the first time. I began by clearing my mind and simply walking forward, then concentrating on the War Memorial exhibit, and said to myself "I will witness this in words and actions, in a postive way in my daily life". I resolved to continue my volunteer actions for social justice (currently with REACH), the environment and to speak out about the devastation of war (and in particular the Iraq War) when the opportunity presents itself. The rosary I held would be a connection to and physical reminder of my promise. As I walked looking down at the grass, the path..with intent focus...I felt the cares of the day dissolve and a calm clarity emerge. At the center of The Labyrinth, there's a little mound with small objects folk leave...I think I left a few coins and a movie ticket..but it could have been something else. I just remember that it was the perfect item and I felt "finished" when I stepped over the paths to leave the center mound.

Next up, I got in a little early due to my 3-day wristband, and wandered around and checked out the Energy Park and the Community Village. I spent alot of time looking at native plants & flowers in an exhibit by an organization I can't remember the name of now...I especially wanted to be able to identify and use some of these plants and the information provided was very useful (Latin Names, other Common Names, botanical properties, some growing information). I plan to definitely go back next year,and also spend some more time to talk to some of the Master Gardeners at CV but take some mosquito repellent with me!

Up by the Outer Banks loop was an Memorial for all OCF Family who had passed, with an invitation for the public to add thoughts for their own lost members...which I did of course, honoring my son, my cousin, my grandmother and a local teen who was killed riding his bike home from school earlier this year, Austin Miller.

I guessed I must have missed it the first time I went around; there was a HUGE World Ball map (with people signing and decorating it), right nearby, closer to the path...and I had earlier decided I didn't need to "mark my place", (so to speak) on that particular public art project.

Since I was just wandering taking the time to look at the various vendors, people watch and generally soak in the Fair atmosphere...I joyfully spotted the "River/Island" art piece they had this year at the Outer Banks area too..every year it's different...I remember several large decorated teepees one year, another some huge colorful flags...this year's was "modern" looking, something maybe inspired by the wind, or rushing water?


The white "arty" balloons were a perfect, relaxing way to end an a perfect meditative day...until next year Fair Family!