141st Annual Oregon State Fair Kicked Off Friday

The theme for this year’s Oregon State Fair is “Road Trip.”

Oregon State Fair '04 and '05 photos by Tim King; Historical photo courtesy: salemhistory.net

(SALEM) - The 2006 Oregon State Fair opens its gates to fun, food and excitement on Friday, Aug. 25th. The 141st annual event runs through Labor Day, Sept. 4th, and offers big-name concerts, FREE parking and family entertainment throughout its 11-day run.

Gates open everyday at 11:00 AM.

“We invite Oregonians from all over the state to come experience the state’s premiere family attraction.” said Dave Koellermeier, Oregon State Fair manager.

“With non-stop entertainment, free parking, great big-name concerts, rides and games, there’s something for everyone and we’re committed to providing a clean, safe atmosphere for all fairgoers.”

The Oregon State Fair becomes the second largest city in Oregon for 11 days with a “population” of 333,000, its own police force, public works and EMTs.

People attending the fair will help Oregon agriculture by eating 23,500 ears of roasted corn; 34,000 onions and 27,500 potatoes which will be made into 38,250 servings of curly fries and covered by 74,000 ounces of ketchup.

The equivalent of 21,800 pounds of ground beef will be consumed – or 65,400 burgers – enough to feed a city of 500. Fairgoers in 11 days will eat 20,000 pounds of Yakisoba noodles along with 590 gallons of soy sauce.

For more information call (503) 947-3247 or toll free in Oregon, (800) 833-0011 or visit the Oregon State Fair website at www.oregonstatefair.org.

Concerts

The Wildman of Rock and Roll

The Fair offers music for everyone as a variety of talented musical acts take center stage.

The Oregon State Fair is proud to host 7 great concert events to include Ted Nugent, Cake, Violent Femmes and The Decemberists, Sara Evans, Raven Symone, Trace Adkins and The Steve Miller Band.

Sara Evans plays Monday at 8:00 PM

In addition those concert series, the Fair is proud to host 4 free outdoor concerts beginning Friday August 25th.

Concerts are free with outside gate admission and feature popular bands including Edger Winter with special guest Rick Derringer, Starship with Mickey Thomas, The Georgia Satellites, and The Fixx with The Knack.

Concerts tickets are available at (800) 992-8499, and (503) 224-8499 in Portland.

You can also visit www.ticketswest.com.

Lots of food and fun and spinning Photo by Kevin Hays

Attractions

The Pavilion includes an AKC dog agility contest, demolition derby, and cruise-in. La Plaza presents authentic Latino music, crafts and entertainment.

Special performer The Sauce Boss sings the blues, cooks gumbo on stage, and then feeds, the audience.

Hip hop dancers, break dancers, and performers take center stage daily and much, much more.

Contests

Courtesy: Eola Hills Winery

Great Oregon wines meet the discerning palates of renowned judges when the Celebration Oregon! award and wine tasting event recognizes the state’s local amateur, as well as professional, winemakers.

Cooking contests and demonstrations will feature panels of professional chefs and an amateur beer-making contest will also be held.

The traditional fair competitions also not to be missed include photography, fine arts, home arts and hobbies, 4-H, FFA, livestock, agriculture, and one of the biggest horse shows this side of the Mississippi.

Talented finalists from across the state will also compete in the Oregon Statewide Talent Competition.

Admission

At $9, adult admission is comparable to the price of a movie ticket. Children 6 -12 enter for only $4 and kids under 5 are always free.

Save $2 across the board by purchasing advance tickets prior to August 24th. Gate admission includes entrance to outdoor concerts, Pavilion events, exhibits, and extensive entertainment.

Fair hours are 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

About the Oregon State Fair

Started in the late nineteenth century, the State Fair in Salem has become an Oregon family tradition. Families come from all over the state and far beyond to take in great shows, rides, culinary delights, and animal and agricultural exhibits.

They also have an opportunity to participate in many types of statewide competitions that Oregonians prepare the better part of the year for.

The Oregon State Fair is one thing that has changed very little over the years, when you are talking about Oregon's agricultural community.

Fair attendees will be able to see over 26,000 exhibits in livestock, home arts and hobbies, show horses, fine art, photography, professional wine, homebrew beer, small animals, including poultry, rabbits, doves, pigeons and guinea pigs, plus 4-H and FFA animals and events.

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The article was originally published on Salem-News.com, August 19th at 7:22 PM.

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