As a festival owner, I often hear ideas directly from vendors, and a common theme was the desire for an affordable, fun arts and makers event in Crook County that truly reflected our diverse culture. I produced the Creators and Culture Festival for two years—year one battled brutal weather, and while year two saw better conditions and attendance, it still fell short of my cultural goals.

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Around the same time, the Prineville–Crook County Chamber of Commerce launched High Desert Moonfest, focused on local history and heritage. In June 2025, the Chamber asked if I would take over Moonfest and merge it with Creators and Culture. I quickly said yes, and the evolution began.

 

While the 2025 High Desert Moonfest was successful, the name caused confusion about the event’s purpose. After many conversations, it became clear a rebrand was needed. In 2026, the festival will return as High Desert Heritage Fest, a name that better reflects its heart and mission.

 

The festival features artists and makers offering upcycled goods, woodworking, ceramics, glass, painting, books, leatherwork, jewelry, home décor, and more—while expanding storytelling around timber, ranching, railroads, Native American history, and the people who built our community.