50th anniversary triggered UFO Fest idea

Marcus Larson/News-Register Artist and alien warrior Kaweeta S. dances to the alien-themed music outside NW Food & Gifts while selling her art Friday afternoon. She is doing a series of alien T-shirts. -- Marcus Larson / News-Register

May 13, 2011

By Camille Jacobson-Ingram
Of the News-Register

As locals and visitors join in ringing in McMinnville’s 12th annual UFO festival, it’s a good time to reflect on the history of the event.

McMenamins Hotel Oregon took the lead in establishing the event, and continues to be a central player.

As the McMenamin brothers were completing renovation of the four-story downtown landmark, they had company historian Tim Wells researching ways to tie the hotel to the community. He hit on a purported UFO sighting that made headlines around the world.

“The year we opened the hotel was the 50th anniversary of the sighting,” Wells said. “We decided to contact a famous UFO expert in Pennsylvania and have him come to Hotel Oregon to commemorate the event.

“The speaker was excited, and came out for merely airfare and $100. We had the speaker in the Paragon Room.”

Property Manager Kris McMillan said things just took off from there, much to everyone’s surprise.

“We had no idea the reaction would be as big as it was,” she said. “The sidewalk was full, the pub was full and the Paragon Room was full.”

From that modest start, the event has grown to become the second largest UFO festival in the country, after the one held in Roswell, N.M.

Though most people attend just because it gives them an excuse to don a costume and have a good time, the event also a attracts people who have a serious interest in possible extraterrestrial life.

“This festival is for the people who are serious and come out to hear reputable speakers, McMillan said. “It’s for the people who want to come out and enjoy the parade and the radio show. It’s for the people who want to dress up and be in the parade. It’s a lot of fun and educational for those who are here to learn about UFOlogy.”

Saturday’s parade is the cornerstone of the festival, and if you want a good viewing spot for it, you have to show up early. Limited to Third Street in past years, organizers expanded the route this year to also include a section of Fourth Street.

McMillan said her advice always boils down to: “Arrive early! Be patient! Have fun!”