The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Another major Sisters event has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic. The Sisters Harvest Faire sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of commerce and set for the second weekend in October has been canceled.

In a letter to vendors and participants, Chamber Executive Director Judy Trego said, “After much due diligence, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce has come to the conclusion we will not be able to comply with the Oregon Health Authority mandates for events laid out by the State of Oregon and unfortunately we will be unable to produce the Sisters Harvest Faire this year.

“While we researched the other events happening in Oregon, the historic crowd size of the Sisters Harvest Faire exceeds safety standards for the current pandemic and our experienced, small staff and key volunteers are highly skeptical of our ability to monitor the crowds safely. In addition, the devastating wildfires impacting our neighboring communities to the west and the road closure, has also contributed to our decision to cancel the event.”

The event celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019. Over four decades, it has grown into a major celebration of handcrafted arts, crafts and foodstuffs, drawing 185 juried vendors from Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana and even farther afield. A large proportion of the vendors have participated for 20 years or more.

“We appreciate the communities longstanding support for the Sisters Harvest Faire and look forward to our Sisters Harvest Faire 2021,” Trego said. “ Now, more than ever, it is vital we support our local businesses during the fall and winter season.”

To register as a vendor for 2021 or for more information, contact Jeri Buckmann at [email protected] or call 541-549-0251.