I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois that had been settled by German Catholic farmers a few centuries ago. Instead of a county fair, we had a festival every August called Kirchenfest on the sprawling church parking lot, and my Dad was in charge of making the funnel cakes–platefuls of sweet fried dough with a generous sifting of powdered sugar. SO GOOD.
But there is more to the county fair than powdered crispy bits of dough, or deep-fried food on a stick. There’s the community celebration of the accomplishments of ordinary citizens, like the tastiest apple pie, best home-brewed beer or crunchiest preserved pickles. I’m talking about Blue-Ribbon recipes, of course.
And then there is the fair at night… spinning lights on carnival rides and first kisses on the big wheel. There’s something exciting and just a tiny bit dangerous about the fair after dark, at least in our dramatic imaginations.
In August, Oregonians have their pick of great county fairs. Which is your favorite?
Five Great County Fairs in Washington State
Lane County Fair, Eugene.
July 19-23, 2023
Wed – Sat: 11 am to 11 pm
Sun 11 am to 8 pm. Map.
The tents are already popping up and the trucks have arrived for the Lane County Fair. Great entertainment this year includes a clown college, princess show, musical performances that will take you back to the 1980’s by Quiet Riot and Sheila E., magic shows, and a thrill performer. Racing pigs and a tractor pull are just a few of the argi-attractions. And of course, hundreds of Lane County residents will enter their arts and crafts for prize ribbons. Admission: $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for youth. Kids 5 and under FREE. Contact: (541) 682-4292.
Tillamook County Fair, Tillamook.
August 9-12 2023. Map.
When I think of Tillamook I think of its famous cheese… perhaps that’s why this fair has more dairy animals on display than any other county fair in the state. The Tillamook County Fair is recognized as one of the top ten Blue Ribbon fairs in the nation for its unique offerings. But that’s not all that’s unique to this county fair. This year’s theme is Let Freedom Ring! Come for the horse races and milk chugging contest, and stay for the Pig ‘N’ Ford race, where folks drive around the track in stripped-down Model T’s with pigs under their arms. In 2023 one of the musical highlights is a Tom Petty tribute band. Admission: Adults $10, seniors $6, children ages 6-11 $6, ages 5 and under FREE. Contact: (503) 842-2272
Umatilla County Fair, Hermiston.
August 9-12, 2023, Map.
“Watch us Grow!” is the theme of the Umatilla County Fair, where you’ll enjoy a patriotic parade, carnival rides, a hypnotist, comedic magician, live music and LOTS of livestock. Got a baby? If you’re feeling competitive, enter your little cherub in the Pretty Baby Contest or pucker up for the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. Admission: $12 for adults. Kids 10 and under FREE. Contact: (541) 567-6121.
Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo, Canby.
August 15-19, 2023 from 10am – 11pm. Map.
Step right up for blue ribbons, classic carnival rides and family-friendly rodeos, all at a price you can afford! Moo with the plethora of livestock, then head over to the talent show and shoe ’em what you’re made of, whether your talents lie in hog calling or break dancing. Admission: $9 for adults and $5 for seniors and youth. Kids 7 and under FREE. Contact: 503-266-1136.
Did you miss your local county fair? Oregon’s biggest fair, the Oregon State Fair, is August 25— September 4, 2023 in Salem.
