Oregon WinterFest coming up this weekend

Oregon Winterfest is just two days away, and while festivals in other seasons come and go without an entry fee, you’ll need to pay up to see the Old Mill’s sights and sounds this weekend.

This is the 17th annual Oregon Winterfest, sponsored by OnPoint Community Credit Union, and for the ninth year in a row, ‘Lay It Out Events’ is hosting.

And while some of us may not be used to paying to attend an event like this, some of the proceeds do go to a good cause.

“The beneficiary for this event is saving grace which serves such vital needs in Central Oregon,” Creative Vendor Director Karin Roy said Wednesday.

Event coordinator Gail Black said $1 from each ticket sold will go toward Saving Grace.

Pre-sale tickets are $10 before 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 12 on site per person.

Roy said don’t let the price at the door deter you, there’s plenty to see.

“We’re standing right in front of what is the US Cellular Main Stage Chalet. First time we’ve done a major contained area for the main stage so that will be great regardless of what the weather does,” Roy said.

There will be music, ice carvers, a fire pit competition, performing dogs and motorcycle riders.

It’s an experience Roy says is worth every penny.

“There’s literally experiential entertainment that is going on from the moment the event launches,” Roy said. She emphasized Friday night, the Fire King and Ice Queen will arrive on horseback, fire pits will be on and a headlining band will be playing.

“Over a third of the participants are coming from the west side of the mountains which is really exciting I mean we’re truly becoming an Oregon Winterfest in that sense,” Roy said.

For tickets and a schedule, visit: http://www.oregonwinterfest.com/