By Mary Owen
Disrupting winds along Highway 22 has forced the Cascade Foothills Saturday Faire to move from Gates to Mehama.
“The first faire opened in the summer of 2008 and was located in Gates in a wide grassy area next to the highway,” spokesman Mike Medley said. “It has run there every summer since – until now. The faire typically operates once a month during the summer and have traditionally been scheduled for the first Saturday of the month.”
The event, sponsored by Santiam Hearts to the Arts, will be held just west of the Mehama turnoff at the old Branches Saw Shop off Highway 22. Remaining faire dates are Aug. 4 and Sept. 1, running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., circus performer Chris Corrado will perform, for some family fun.
“This location is in a more protected area and there is no wind problem,” Medley said. “The grounds are at the Odds and Ends Antiques and Collectibles property, formerly Branch Equipment Co., and are one street west of the flashing yellow traffic signal light.”
The Cascade Foothills Saturday Faire was the brain child of Karen Widmer, Phyllis Scott and Samantha Phillips.
Their idea was to provide a place where local crafters, produce growers, and nonprofit organizations could gather and make their products available while local shoppers, as well as those traveling up and down the Santiam Canyon, could visit and explore the many offerings available, Medley said.
“While the exact number of vendors can change from Saturday Faire to Saturday Faire, attendees often find 15 to 20 vendor booths offering a wide range of products, services and information,” Medley said. “The faire attracts approximately several hundred visitors, depending on which month and the weather of the day.”
Most of the Saturday Faires include entertainment and activities for children, and are quickly becoming a place for people to meet and socialize as well as shop, Medley said.
Medley said the sponsorship of the Cascade Foothills Saturday Faire has always been provided by a local nonprofit organization including the North Santiam Canyon Economic Development Corporation and the North Santiam Canyon Chamber of Commerce.
“The Saturday Faire is now sponsored by Santiam Hearts to Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting arts and culture in the Santiam Canyon communities,” Medley said. “Proceeds have always been used to further the mission the sponsoring nonprofit organizations with a focus on improving the lives of those who live in our communities.”
The faire is being managed by Joyce Trout, who can be reached at 503-879-3116 or [email protected]. New vendors are welcome with a focus on handcrafts and locally grown produce.
