An Open Letter to Oregon Country Fair

 

"Thank You For Being Us." 

Those words, stitched in colorful cloth banners, have greeted all who enter the front gates every July for decades, reminding us that inside the eight we are welcome, accepted and connected.

Like so many generations, I grew up going to Fair. I have gone from being a barefoot toddler with dusty feet on the path to holding my own baby in my arms while dancing at the drum tower. The Fair is in my bones and I hold it and my Fair Family deep and tenderly in my heart. 

When I was made aware of your Facebook post from November, which has since been removed, stating that proof of vaccination will be required to be on the site as of January 1rst, I was crestfallen and completely flummoxed. 

While I respect the size of the event that you are organizing and acknowledge the unprecedented challenge that a global pandemic presents in holding such an event, I am confused about the logic that led you to this decision. Vaccinated individuals can still contract and spread covid, the current data regarding this is very clear. If public health is really the priority then surely antibody tests and negative covid tests should be accepted as well. People choose not to be vaccinated for a variety of different reasons and excluding those individuals from participating in an event that has historically brought us together and elevated us mind, body and soul feels really exclusive and yucky to me. 

I have no doubt that you will lose staff (or have already) over this decision, not to mention many thousands of patrons. There are some people, like myself and my husband, who will choose not to attend out of principle. I should clarify, you wouldn’t allow me in. My husband is triple vaccinated. I chose not to receive a Covid vaccine. 

Regardless of what pretense you posture here, you have clearly defined an other and stated that they are not welcome at your event. "Thank You For Being Us" will need a caveat stitched into the banners if this remains your policy moving forward.

I can only imagine the vitriol you have received over this decision and do not wish to contribute to that here. Although I am sad and confused I am also very curious and eager to know more about how you reached this decision, if it was presented to you as the only way forward and what avenues you have for alternative solutions. It is my deepest hope that the Fair can emerge from two years of a global pandemic without resorting to blatant discrimination.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, I would appreciate a response if you feel so inclined.

Sincerely,

Selene Neufeld