Knowledge and fun go hand in hand at this year's Oregon State Fair!
(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon State Fair is going strong, rain or shine, with tens of thousands of new and returning visitors making the most of the last few days of the 2009 fair.
In the former Jackman/Long building, every collection imaginable from quilts to woven products to canned goods, honey, even military things from the past, they show up here in these fantastic collections. But nothing beats the Oregon Authors exhibit.
Event Founder
Mary Kay Callahan is the Founder of the Oregon Authors exhibit. What began as a discussion she had some 28 years ago, is today an extremely important aspect of the Oregon State Fair, especially in a time when writing is in demand, and the need for knowledge is high.
The event allows personal interaction with authors and the public, and it is a unique opportunity for young & old alike. And one that spread from Oregon to other state fairs.
Callahan explains that over time, the idea of an Author's Table at state fairs caught on, and today the concept that began right here in Oregon thanks, to Mary Kay's discussion almost three decades ago, is a regular practice all over the nation.
Meeting the Authors
Author of the "Dark Things" series, Joe Brown of Salem, explains that his book series began as a screenplay many years ago, and was at one point a serious plan with actor Ricky Schroder cast for the main role. But problems came up, due he says to the intensity of the script. Later a publishing offer came along, and his trilogy has since been a widely read series. To learn more about this Oregon Author, visit: ImaginativeReading.com
Jim Fowler writes about Oregon history, with titles that include Memoirs of Oregon - IN THEIR OWN WORDS, A Journey of Ripples - a Collection of Short Stories, and Mister Coach. Jim says writing is a rewarding experience, and he believes he is fortunate to have been able to spend time interviewing historic Native American residents of Oregon about earlier years. He says his books feature and explore some of Oregon's most vivid and interesting locations. Jim's books can be purchased on Amazon.com, as well as those of other featured authors.
RC Marlen, Oregon Author of The Hat Boxes, has written a trilogy and her latest book is a prequel to that series. Her trademarks include surprise endings, and she says her books are some real page turners. She is an Oregon Author, but her books take place in a Midwest state in the 1800's. She jokingly says her books take place in Missouri, at the beginning of the Oregon Trail, "It just took a long time to get here", she adds with a smile. To learn more about her series of books, which she says are interwoven with real accounts of history in a way that keeps the interest level high, visit her Website: rcmarlen.com.
Dolores Dahl began writing after the loss of her husband, and her poetry ranges over many subjects, offering inspiration and motivational words that can really boost a person's spirits. With titles like, >b>"The Inward Journey" and "Everything's a Mountain", she says her collections of poems are good for the people who read them, and they can restore some of those missing ingredients in a person's life while allowing them a chance to refocus. To learn more about the lovely work of this this Oregon Author, please visit: DoloresDahl.com.
Gary Hartman is the author of "A complete toy making book for several toys" and he says a kid can do anything if he sets his mind to it, and has a coping saw and a carving knife. Hartman says the designs featured in his book hearken back to his boyhood. He describes them as an escape from modern technology and a lesson in science at the same time. To learn more about Gary's book and Toymaking techniques, visit him Online:
Oregon Authors Take the Spotlight at the 148th Oregon State Fair (VIDEO)Salem-News.com