Fungi Fest returns to Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory: Visitors learn about, check out many mushroom varieties

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A familiar fun time was being had Saturday at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory's eighth annual Sunriver Fungi Fest and Mushroom Show.

Those on hand got to check out hundreds of species of mushrooms, from maitake to chanterelle, at an event timed for early October to coincide with the peak of the area's mushroom season.

The visitors also had a chance to visit with more than a dozen vendors selling a variety of mushroom arts and crafts.

The event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory and the Central Oregon Mushroom Club.

Kelsey McGee spoke with the nature center's conservation manager to learn more about the mushroom-focused event. Her report will be on NewsChannel 21 First at 10 on Fox (sports coverage is pre-empting our 6 p.m. newscast).