Kalapuya camas fields to the ‘hippie invasion’: The complex history of the Oregon Country Fair

The Oregon Country Fair is one of the longest-running arts and craft fairs in the United States.

Held outside of Veneta in Lane County, Oregon, the annual event has dazzled visitors since 1969 with hippie glam, righteous music shows and tie-dyed bacchanalia harking back to the area’s storied counterculture past.

Where the fair takes place — on a stretch of forest on the banks of the Long Tom River — also happens to be a Kalapuya archaeological site. Archaeologists have unearthed earth ovens for roasting camas and other First Foods dating to over 4,000 years ago. Other sites are over 10,500 years old.

Despite the fair’s efforts to preserve the integrity of these archaeological sites and acknowledge Indigenous history, there remains ongoing tension due to past cultural appropriation from tribal communities.

Can the Oregon Country Fair hold the balance between free-spirited celebration and deeper cultural respect?

Produced in partnership with Oregon Art Beat. Check out the full special feature “Oregon Country Fair: Magic in the Woods” dropping Friday, June 27!

Learn more https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/2...
Find more stories like this at https://www.opb.org/show/oregonexperi...

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