This was a year of experimentation for one of the region’s major fundraising events, and — as can happen with any experiment — things did not work out as planned. Thus Sagebrush, the 6-month-long replacement for the Sagebrush Classic and Sagebrush Classic Feast, failed to live up to expectations and will be scrapped. It won’t be the end of the 23-year-old event, fortunately.

Sagebrush, founded by Deschutes Brewery and its owner, Gary Fish, will take a year off, Fish said recently. That’s no surprise. A fundraising effort that involves multiple agencies and stretches over half a year has to be draining for everyone involved. When it does come back in 2013, it most likely will return to its roots with a golf tournament and dinner.

This year’s Sagebrush was an experiment, and though it failed to live up to Fish’s expectations, he’s to be commended for being willing to gamble on something new. Fundraisers can grow stale, and unless those who put them on are willing to take a chance on something new, they run the risk of being killed by boredom. With revenues declining, Fish was right to try a different approach.

Fish and others who put in months on this year’s event are no doubt tired, and their decision to take a year off is understandable. It may be that after a rest and close examination they’ll find some elements of this year’s Sagebrush that are worth trying again. For now, it’s too soon to tell. Meanwhile, we wish them well. Sagebrush is an important part of Bend thanks to their efforts, and we look forward to its return.