All right, so da Vinci Days is officially over until next year. But it’s the time of the year for festivals and this weekend’s weather reminded us all why these kinds of events are so gratifying.

So while everyone was out and about Saturday, we started asking people what made summer festivals so great: not just Corvallis’ signature event, but in general. Here are some of the answers we heard:

“Sunshine, but not too much sunshine. These are the kinds of days we like to keep a secret.”

Doug Stone

“I love the weather, the people, the community. Everyone is so excited to be down here together.”

Kristen Splinter

“I always like diverse music and good beer. And I really like festivals where people are dressed up in weird costumes. They’re not really here. Maybe I should start that.”

Susie Wigowsky

“The people, the weather, the environment. Corvallis is just such a wonderful community. And all of the work and effort that goes into it.”

Jan Connell

“I usually go because there are people there that I know, and you can see them. Plus the artsy-craftsy stuff.”

Anthony Rinaldi

Compiled by Matt Neznanski