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It's not exactly Kansas, but ... Photo by Bob Pennell Zoie models one of Fonzi's Fantasies, a booth at the Harvest Fair selling clothing for dogs. There's really no place like the hometown Harvest Fair By Kathy Morgan If you go What : 1999 Harvest Fair and Microbrew Festival Where : Jackson County Exposition Park, Central Point When : 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Admission : $3 for adults, free for kids 12 and under Parking : Free Information : Phone 776-7237 Scarecrow welcomes you. Tin Man stands guard by the tractors. And although the part of Cowardly Lion seems to have been taken over by a sopping-wet sheared sheep, walking inside the gates of the Jackson County Expo this weekend is kind of like taking a trip to Oz. It isn't Oz, or even Kansas for that matter, but folks attending the 1999 Harvest Fair and Microbrew Festival say it is magic. "It's an old-fashioned fair feeling, a celebration of Southern Oregon," says Sue Oxendine, assistant manager of the Jackson County Expo Park. The fair opened Saturday and continues from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. More than 15,000 are expected to check out the action. It's Saturday morning. A large crowd has already assembled. People have come to see the livestock, vegetables, fruits, arts, crafts, antique tractor displays and more. The biggest attraction is the "Bounty of the County" display in the Compton Arena. The lower level is alive with cattle, including a giant Texas longhorn and two miniature Dexters. Sheep share the space as well. The mooing and baying of the animals greets all who enter the hall. The upper level of the arena is full as well. Here giant pumpkins share space with peppers, flowers, melons, home preserves, quilts and crafts. "It makes you realize just how lucky we are to live where we do," says Dorothy Morrison of Yreka. "Why worry about Y2K when we can grow or make all we need?" Is Dorothy really saying, "There's no place like home"? Lots of people seem to be echoing that sentiment. With temperatures in the 80s, folks viewing the displays and exhibits bask in the sun. They even have sunny dispositions. "It's a wonderful thing," says Ed Beglia of Grants Pass. "This fair reminds me of the get-togethers we had in Iowa 50 years ago." Coming together is a large part of what the fair is about. Millie and Frank Lemur of Medford are making the day a family affair. Their three adults kids and nine grandchildren are enjoying the sights and sounds of the fall afternoon. The Lemurs pause by the tractor engine display, looking at machines that used to do everything from cut meat for sausage to separate milk. "Seeing all this makes you appreciate all the work it takes to fill a table," Frank Lemur says. "But it lets you know that after the work is done, it's time to play. And we're here to have fun." Many events are geared for children, including the water balloon toss, an air walk castle, a petting farm, a wood maze, a straw maze and a crafts area. There is plenty of food too. Vendors offering a variety of fare are there. Those with a thirst head to the Microbrew Festival. "It's bigger than ever," Oxendine says. Folks over 21 are welcome to stop in for a sip or two at the Padgham Pavilion. And there's music for all ages. Saturday tunes were provided by the Bridge Boys and Rogue Valley Alphorns. Today the Blue Devils, Broadway Phil and the Shouters and the Rhythm Kings perform. To get to the fair you don't have to be swept up in a tornado or follow a yellow brick road. Just head to Central Point. "It's awesome," 12-year-old Kirk Lemur says. "Totally cool." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA