Hunts Hazelnuts, Sisters Harvest Faire 2014Sisters Magazine August edition

by Molly Hover, for The Bulletin Special Projects

Central Oregon in October is a sight to behold. The trees quickly turn from green to hues of orange and red, the air smells crisper and carries with it the promise of winter. Events such as the annual Sisters Harvest Faire give people a chance to celebrate fall.

Taking place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, the event is free to the public and has a little something for everyone. With more than 200 juried vendors in attendance, Hood Avenue in Sisters is filled to the brim with unique handcrafted items that have local flair.

For more than 30 years, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce has been hosting this annual event for the community. Because the vendors are juried, a committee accepts them based on the craftsmanship and uniqueness of their work. Of the vendors this year, participants can expect products such as jewelry, textiles, metal art, wood carvings, Christmas ornaments, pottery and furniture, according to Jeri Buckmann, the visitor center manager for Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

One such unique and returning vendor is Hunt’s Hazelnuts from Gervais (just north of Salem). The family has only missed one faire in the past 20 years and has seen it evolve into what it is today. The Hunts grow hazelnuts and bring a wide variety to their booth including roasted, smoked and garlic hazelnuts; varieties of candy-coated hazelnuts; hazelnut butters; pancake mix, syrup, coffee and cocoa; and even hazelnut flour.

“We love it. We love the returning customers,” said owner Phyllis Hunt. “We have such faithful people who just keep coming year after year.”

In addition to the vendors lining the streets, guests can expect live music — the band had not yet been confirmed at press time — and multiple food vendors to give them energy while shopping throughout the day.

Kids will also have a dedicated area during the faire in the U.S Bank parking lot. The Kids Zone “has been put on by Sisters Park and Recreation and usually includes games, bounce houses, face painting and other activities,” said Buckmann.

The faire is a time for the community of Sisters and beyond to enjoy one another’s company in the fresh fall air, celebrate the hard work displayed by the craftspeople who attend and perhaps even get started on their holiday shopping.

“It is a fun show because of the time of year,” said Buckmann. “You can sense the changing of the season.”