Pine Fest is
...a "full service" music festival. Besides the terrific music, there are vendors selling food, beer and wine, crafts, massages, festival "merch," and whatever else anyone comes up with. There are two stages, the large one where the professionals play and a smaller one where our talented local musicians perform. Because it is outside, be prepared with a chair or blanket and sunscreen and a hat for early in the afternoon on Saturday (though there is always shade to be found). Water is available from a tap, so bring your own bottle. Also, wear your dancing shoes!
Halfway and Pine Valley
Halfway lies almost exactly on the 45th meridian on the far eastern edge of Oregon. It is nestled in Pine Valley with Cornucopia Mountain, the southernmost peak of the Wallowa Mts. (topped by the Eagle Cap Wilderness), to the northwest; the forested "West Wall" to the west; and the drier uplands of Hells Canyon to the east. Pine Creek, as well as several other creeks, rises on Cornucopia, runs through the valley and then flows for about 15 miles northeast to the wild water section of the Snake River and the Hells Canyon Recreation Area.
About 280 people live in the city proper and about 1,200 people in the Valley call the area home. Locals (those who have roads or streets named after their families) and newcomers all appreciate the peace and beauty of the area. Ranching; Idaho Power and their three power-generating dams (Oxbow, Brownlee and Hells Canyon); the school district; construction; housing and feeding outdoor enthusiasts; and a lot of retirement checks provide income.
Markets and Restaurants
Located on Main Street:
Wild Bill's - restaurant and bar
The Main Place - restaurant and bar
Old Pine Market - Groceries
Halfway Market and Mercantile - Groceries, Hardware, Gas.
LOCATED IN OXBOW, NEAR THE SNAKE RIVER:
Hells Canyon Inn - restaurant and drinks
Scotty's - convenience store
Pine Fest Committee
These seven volunteers oversee all aspects of producing Pine Fest, and then enlist community members to man the stations at the festival itself.
Cornucopia Arts Council
Cornucopia Arts Council, founded in 1989 to bring art, music and culture to an otherwise isolated part of the world, is made up of an executive board and members who all volunteer their time and talents. The Council is the sponsoring agent of Pine Fest and also sponsors other music events (notably a variety of musical genres in weekly concerts through the summer at the Main St. Stage in downtown Halfway) and lectures throughout the year.