It’s true a new mid-valley renaissance festival might hurt Shrewsbury (in Kings Valley) a bit. But if Royal Faires was to locate its 2008 July festivals in Linn County away from Albany, it would be a great boon to the rest of the county’s tourist industry. (See Democrat-Herald story about this possibility.)
As to having two summer faires in mid-valley, Philomath and Sweet Home have been holding rodeos at about the same time in July for a few years and their rodeos continue to be held. Also Shrewsbury is held in late September. Royal is targeting “summer months” beginning in 2008.
This could be great for county tourism. Linn County has I-5 access, more than 2 million folks within a short drive, and great venues. Local tourism businesses need more activities to draw overnight visitors.
Most Linn tourists (a tourist travels over 50 miles and stays overnight) come to county/forest service RV parks and campgrounds. They already have food and places to sleep. They don’t go to our events.
Oregon Jamboree fills motels and B&Bs in east Linn County. We need more events to fill our motels outside of Albany.
Timber Carnival is gone. Pioneer Picnic and Lamb and Wool Fair are for locals. Strawberry Festival is a parade, craft fair, and carnival. These are local events. Tourists don’t come.
A Linn Faire would be a reason for new motels & hotels in Brownsville, Sweet Home, Crabtree, Sodaville, Scio or Lebanon. It would be good for local tourism.
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