12th Annual McKenzie Art Festival

LEABURG: It’s that time again for the McKenzie Art Festival. The 12th annual festival is still held in Leaburg at the Fire and Training Center on August 17th and 18th; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission, food, music, raffle, classic cars and, of course, art.

The McKenzie Art Festival has been around for a lot of years. People come from near and far to enjoy the art along with food and entertainment. One of the event founders and local personality, Larry Brown, is featured on the festival poster this year. Larry is still active in making this event possible. As a matter of fact, many volunteers in the McKenzie Valley have made this event possible over the years -- you know who you are.

More than 20 artists from around the region – featuring wood, glass, jewelry, watercolor, pastel, oil, pottery, basket making, and lavender products - will join McKenzie Valley artists Janet Biles, Sheri Smith, and Tj Glass Art.

Local “food artist,” Bernadette Fleischer will be there with her famous cinnamon rolls, pies, baked goods and sandwich wraps. You can top that off with ice cream, hot dogs, crepes, smoothies and more.

The Emerald Empire Vintage Auto Club’s (EEVAC) Vintage Auto Show will highlight a selection of their restored - 1928 to 1988 - cars.

There will also be live music both days.

On Saturday, Old Time Fiddlers will perform great old songs to sing along with; Jerry Zybach’s Delta Blues has variety for all ages; Kudana Marimba with many hand crafted marimbas and lots of fun sounds.

On Sunday, taking to the stage will be Carl Faddis NW singer; Paul Biondi (a very well known musician/recording artist, playing for the last 25 years); with Paul Biondi is highly recognized performer on the west coast for last 20 years, Laura Kemp (singer); and other musicians joining in.

Looking for more fun things to do? On the same weekend, a new event in the McKenzie Valley will be at the Community Track & Field, Blue River – the Chainsaw Art Festival – August 16th to 18th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music at 6 p.m. There will be a $3 admission fee to the festival. People will have a chance to bid on the chainsaw art at the 4:30 auctions.

There is something here for everyone, whether a participating artist, a patron of the arts or just looking for “Not-to-be-Missed” events that will make the perfect family outing. Handicap parking is available.

Image above: Les Warner's 1933 Studebaker Regal has an unusual trunk. It opens at the center and each half hinges to the sides. Lifting the two dividers out makes the width 68 inches. A day at the park can be had without crowding the kids with a table, games, and chairs.