05/17/2026
Here’s what I learned about the origin of this UFO Festival 👽
This festival is based on the most famous UFO photographed in 1950s America (second to Roswell, of course). A farmer and his wife snapped a photo of a flying saucer hovering over their McMinnville farm in the early evening hours during the month of May. According to records the couple printed the photo and showed it to their banker who posted it in the window of the bank. A local journalist picked it up, then national news, and finally Life Magazine. For 70 years the photo has remained relevant and widely acknowledged and debated which is why this festival has become a national attraction.
What’s clear: the couple who took the photo never profited off the photos. They actually weren’t in possession of their photo after the negatives were taken by the international press and passed on to scientists and astronomers. Why (and really HOW) would this unassuming farming family from McMinnville fake this extraterrestrial visit? With what technology? Did a crafty neighbor orchestrate this hoax to fool people in their community?
Up until their deaths in 19997/1998 the couple maintained their story but seemed divided in their last interview on whether they wanted to continue to discuss this otherworldly experience. One wanted to forget it ever happened because they were maligned and painted as attention-seeking liars. The other spouse was less shaken by the backlash and steadfast in their experience. The couple passed away in 1997 and 1998 shortly after their last interview.
My lingering question: If someone is seeking money and notoriety, why show this photo to the town banker? Why not the local or regional newspaper? The motive isn’t clear and notoriety alone doesn’t put food on the table for rural farmer in Oregon.
If you’re interested in learning more details regarding the origin story of this fascinating festival, I recommend listening to episode which clearly lays out timeline of events, details, discussions, etc.
Episode Found on Spotify 👇
Mysteries of the Sky: The Infamous McMinnville UFO Photos
Originally aired on March 7, 2025
