Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana History
“FIESTA”!! …. This word is internationally known. In Woodburn, Oregon, U.S.A., the word “FIESTA” comes alive during the first week-end in August. Prior to 1964 when the FIESTA was introduced by a few merchants under the leadership of Russell Baglien and the local Chamber of Commerce “FIESTA” was a word to describe a party. The presence of Spanish surname people whom for the most part were migrants and traveled from the southwest to harvest crops in Marion County made a positive impression on many of the local merchants and residents in the Woodburn area. It was also the special sentiment of a local non-native, that is, not an Oregonian to sense and appreciate the importance of making people feel welcome. After all, just a few years ago Russell Baglien was also a migrant himself and traveled west from Chicago in search of a better life; Woodburn became his choice away from his native state.
Much has changed since Russell’s first experience with a “FIESTA.” A casual small event at the library park (1/2 block in size) in 1964 has grown into an event that is now only four years away from its “Silver Anniversary.”
After 1964, the first “Fiesta” created energy of its own. More people heard about it, more people came and today the “FIESTA” is the largest and most recognized annual event in Woodburn, as well as, the surrounding communities. The population of migrant people who came to the area to work and return to their native states has now evolved into a significant Mexican-American population; the majority are recent immigrants. Three factors worked in tandem in changing the demographics in this area or Marion County: (1) fertile soil and many crops that thrive in our climate; (2) farmers in need of expanding their agricultural products and (3) the families from the southwest who were willing to venture to the area in search of a better life. The rest is history; and each family with their own unique story on why they settled in the Woodburn area.
In the last 46 years there has been a significant demographic change. In the early 50’s most Spanish surname people who came to Woodburn were mainly from the southwest. Today the original “Migrants” to this area are 70+ years old. Many heads of household who celebrated the first few “FIESTAS” have passed away. A new generation of “FIESTA” aficionados has emerged; the majority from Mexico.
Golden bells are ringing (2014 will mark 50 years) and we are all optimistic that the city’s involvement can serve as a magnet for other folks to come to the table and demonstrate to the local residents and those who come and take part in the “FIESTA MEXICANA” that “AMIGOS” has no borders.
The majority of people who worked hard to maintain the FIESTA alive are now a good memory (many have passed away); and it is with the utmost respect and gratitude that we remember: Andrea Chavez Schooler, Reymundo Gomez, Jesusa Saldana Mendez, Francisca Garcia, Leon Saldana and many more volunteers who worked selflessly to help maintain a cultural-link!
There is no doubt that the evolution of our community will continue as it has since 1964 when a young man had an idea and the heart to thank a handful of newcomers. The town merchants from a special era and a gesture of good will from Russell Baglien will be forever appreciated and remembered by the Woodburn Community; GRACIAS AMIGO! On behalf of the migrants of yesteryear and the new Mexican-Americans who reside in Woodburn and surrounding communities.
Depicted in the City’s letterhead is a symbol which bears the words “ City of Unity.” The new committee comprised of residents, participants and city officials and employees models the motto of the city and invites the local community to support the event and come and celebrate our “Fiesta Mexicana” this August 6th, 7th and 8th.
Miguel A. Salinas
Historian
