Sisters Celebrate their weekend in Sisters by Conrad Weiler (2005 event)

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of almost 300 women taking part in the eight annual "Sisters in Sisters" weekend celebration Friday-Sunday, September 30 to October 2.

Group meetings were held in the large tent at Spruce and Main Avenue across from the Library on land loaned by the owners of Wild Dusty Rose.

From there, the women chose various all-day Saturday venues for entertainment and study. These included aromatherapy and essential oils classes at Sisters Elementary School; women's drumming at the Blue Spruce Bed & Breakfast; quilt workshops at The Stitchin' Post; and geo-caching in Sisters.

Meanwhile, others chose fascinating bead classes with artist Kate Aspen or Indian beading with Molly Kubista in classes at the tent. "This is fun," said Charlotte Keller. "I enjoyed the geo-caching and bead classes," said Becky Shelton. "Meeting new friends, the sharing and the entertainment have been wonderful."

Besides women from Oregon, many came from neighboring Idaho and Washington. Also, long-distance travelers arrived from as far away as Michigan, Virginia and Montreal, Canada.

"This is truly a nationwide gather over the years," said weekend emcee Dave Starr.

Louise White, a soft-spoken women of 89 years from Sisters, also enjoyed events over the weekend. "I really enjoyed seeing and hearing (author) Jane Kirkpatrick's talk Friday evening," she said.

Terry Ness, from Lake Oswego, described the weekend as "a spiritual experience." Several women also commented on the comedic talents of of Susan Rice, presented after Saturday's dinner. "She was a hilarious female comedian," said Lacie Shaw from Beaverton.

Once again the weekend affair was hosted by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and main supporter, Black Butte Ranch. Sandy Goodsell once more headed an all-volunteer group managing the events. Energetic "Mr. Volunteer" Ron Roach once more was on hand helping over the weekend. He has been on duty for all eight of Sisters in Sisters events.

Each year, a contribution is made to the Central Oregon Battering & Rape Alliance. This helps to provide safe housing for children and women victims of domestic violence.

Excerpts from the Sisters 'Nugget Newpaper' article by Conrad Weiler Oct. 6, 1999

SISTERS, OR-- More than 200 women from all over the United States and some foreign lands joined in the second annual Sisters in Sisters^? celebration.

The Friday through Sunday schedule was crowded with events and was launched with a buffet dinner and fashion show on Friday evening under the "big top" tent at the Village Green. The opening evening concluded with an entertaining and often humorous keynote address by former Mrs. America Sheri Rose Shephard.

Saturday's varied activities started early with a walk along part of the wild and scenic Metolius River. Meanwhile, back in Sisters, morning seminars were starting for those who chose not to walk the Metolius River.

Women attending the event seemed to get what they came for. Asked about why she attended the event, Sharon Jackson of Clackamas, Oregon responded "My sister and I like to do things together and this seemed like such a nice event. We have enjoyed the meetings and lovely hospitality of Sisters." One of the women, Trish Todd, had flown from India on a 28-hour flight, in order to be with her sisters for this weekend. "I wanted to be together with my friends and sisters," she said.

After this busy Saturday, participants were ready to relax at the wine and cheese tasting under the big tent at the Village Green. Music, laughter, and conversations filled the large group's activity. After dinner, everybody was ready for the evening's entertainment provided by the Diamond B Wranglers.

On Sunday, the closing keynote address was an inspiring message from Alice Gray, author, speaker and radio personality. Next came the "Silly Sisters Contest" with acts performed by seven different groups from the audience. Alice Gray was MC for this event and the assembled women had a wonderful time watching these performances.

Dennis Orwig and Terry Burke closed the Sisters in Sisters^? weekend by singing their song "They Were Sisters" to an appreciative audience.