I’m not sure how many Stafford Family Fests I have attended, but I know I’ve been there three years as part of its author booth. The Stafford Hamlet Family Fest began in 2016 as a fun opportunity for the community to come together, with a break during the pandemic. For me it’s as much about community as family. All at my favorite local Fiala Farms, a Century Farm I once blogged about. I enjoy this pit stop when I bike along Johnson Road to visit with close friend Richard and family, admire dahlias, and purchase the finest berry and fruit jam, and produce.

I’m particularly eager to hang out with local author friends, check out their books and listen to them onstage as they discuss their books and writing in between musical acts. I too will miss Mom deeply at this event. She loved it as much as the rest of us. I remind myself, though, that this year, I can look forward to my 7 months old grandson popping in with his mom and dad. The cycle of life. Mom would love knowing that.

Stafford Hamlet was born out of the idea that change is inevitable, including changing the way we develop. The Hamlet “values the qualities –the “Stafford Character”–that make our community a desirable place to live.” Many of us who live adjacent to the Hamlet ardently support its mission and efforts to support small farming and education about farming and preservation. Stafford Hamlet was formed in 2006, its Vision and Values statement was ratified in 2009 and its Community Vision Plan was completed and ratified in 2015. Learn more.

Hope to see you Saturday, September 9! Music, activities for kids, corn maze, produce, non-profits, local wine…and of course books. The event is open from 10 AM to 4 PM at Fiala Farms located at 21231 Johnson Road, West Linn.