The Secret Life of Oaf
Long before she became the spirited mascot of Oregon Aerial Fest, Oaf was just a curious little Sasquatch growing up deep in the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest. According to forest lore, Oaf was born on a foggy spring morning sometime around 1893—though Sasquatches measure time a little differently than humans, and for her kind, she’s still considered quite young. (Most Sasquatches live for several hundred years; Oaf spent her early decades perfecting the arts of hiding, howling, and hanging upside down from tree branches.)
From the start, Oaf was never one to blend quietly into the shadows. While her family preferred to stay out of sight, Oaf was endlessly curious about the world beyond the ferns. She loved climbing the tallest cedar trees, leaping between mossy logs, and swinging from long strands of ivy. Her clumsy tumbles and daring flips often startled nearby forest creatures, earning her the affectionate nickname “Oaf”—a name that stuck as she grew older and bolder.
As the story goes, Oaf’s first “aerial performance” happened entirely by accident. One breezy afternoon, while practicing her tree climbing, she slipped, got tangled in a curtain of vines, and began to spin and twist in midair. Instead of panicking, Oaf laughed—a deep, rumbling giggle that echoed through the trees—and realized she could move with the vines, wrapping and unwinding herself into shapes no Sasquatch had ever seen. It was in that moment she discovered her gift for aerial arts.
Over the next few decades, Oaf transformed her forest home into her own outdoor training space. Layers of pine needles & ferns became her mats, vines her silks, and sunlight streaming through the canopy her spotlight. She performed for the birds, the squirrels, and occasionally a very confused hiker or two (but only for a second – as hiding is still in her soul). Word of her talent spread through woodland whispers, and before long, she became somewhat of a legend—the “Swinging Sasquatch of the Cascades.”
When Oaf finally ventured out of the woods, she followed the sound of laughter and music to Portland, Oregon, a city she immediately adored for its creativity, kindness, and love of the unusual. There, she found a community that celebrated movement, art, and imagination just as much as she did. It was only natural that Oaf would become part of Oregon Aerial Fest, where she now serves as the festival’s proud mascot, guiding participants, cheering on competitors from hidden corners, and spreading joy everywhere she goes.
Today, Oaf continues to remind everyone that the magic of aerial isn’t just about strength and skill—it’s about curiosity, courage, and embracing the adventure of flight. Whether she’s performing her signature vine spins, posing for photos, or sneaking snacks from backstage, Oaf embodies the spirit of the festival: big-hearted, a little wild, and always ready to take to the air.
And if you happen to wander through the Oregon woods late at night, you might just hear the faint sound of laughter and see a silhouette flipping gracefully between the trees—because Oaf, the high-flying Sasquatch, never really stops training.
