The Ritz Story Pole Project @ Oregon Country Fair

         

It's all about the Flamingo Clan, a community of artists, crafts-persons and others who built Ritz Sauna & Showers

 over 38 years ago and continue to this day to provide a magical experience to vendors, staff, entertainers, and guests each year at the Oregon Country Fair !

This is the 3rd year we have engaged the community in carving the Pole. Many people (carvers, painters, metal workers, amateurs and professionals) have left their mark on the Pole.  According to tradition, everyone who contributes to making the Pole becomes part of the story. It took 3 years and the approval of First Nations and the Canadian Provincial Government of British Columbia to select, acquire, and ship the sustainably harvested 8,000 lb, 36’ Alaskan Yellow Cedar log to the site of the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta, Oregon.

Please join us in finishing and raising the Pole and make it your story too! The Pole will be raised during the Solstice in June 2015 followed by a grand celebration and feast.

Please support the Ritz Sauna and Showers Story Pole Campaign. Watch the video below: 

https://vimeo.com/97449387

The Yellers: House Band for the Revolution (Teaser)

Singer and songwriter Micahel Berly relays the terrific story on one of Portland's original roots rock bands, The Yellers.

https://vimeo.com/97547806

Puttin' on the Ritz!

Diggable Monkey is currently working on a wonderful video project with the Ritz Sauna and Showers tribe at the Oregon Country Fair, in Veneta. Here is a shot of the "Flamingo" folks carving the 36 foot Alaskan Yellow Cedar totem story pole, hand selected by the First Nations tribes in British Columbia. The Ritz are soon launching a crowd sourcing project pegged at $46,000 to complete the pole installation by the summer of 2015. I must say, this project is one of the most incredible stories I've had the privilege of working on. The story of the Ritz clan is deep in story, rich in art and full of life. On my first visit, they were so welcoming and eager to tell this incredible story. Stay tuned for the details on the fund raising campaign!