Oregon State Fair Gives Special Appreciation to Veterans on Day 2 (VIDEO)

The 2009 Oregon State Fair runs through Labor Day, September 7th.

F-15 flyover at the 2009 Oregon State Fair. Photo by Bonnie King; Video by Tim King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The second day of the 2009 Oregon State Fair opened with an array of events and activities. For 11 days, this will be Oregon's second largest city, with more than 380,000 people expected to attend.

It's a big value too, with adult tickets at 10 dollars, five dollars for kids, and free parking every day.

They say the fair has something for everybody, giving fairgoers a chance to let loose and show their uplifting Oregon spirit, by the means of a bungee ride in some cases. All the carnival rides don't venture so far from the ground, but many favorites take down right courage while fair goers scream with delight.

Every body has a favorite at the Oregon State Fair.

Riley, from Joseph, Oregon, said, "We just got here I haven't been able to get on any rides yet but I come for the food; the corn dogs and the french fries."

Justine, from Bend, Oregon, said, "I like the rides. Mainly El Nino." She says even an extreme ride like that doesn't make her sick, "No, I love it."

Another fairgoer agreed, "All the rides, the cool rides you get to go on. Plus it's a place for my family to meet up and have a fun time."

Jalene from Washington says the fair is a great excuse for quality family time, "Well my parents live here, but its a time to get all of our cousins and everybody out here together."

Dwayne from Portland says for him, the fair is a great place to get a caricature each year of he and his wife, "A new caricature every year, hang them on the wall."

His son, Eric was a little puzzled about which way to go, "I decided to come out but my favorite part is... I don't really know."

For two rockers visiting from Washington State, it was all about attending a great show. "This is our first time here, we came all the way down from Washington to see Tesla," Mychol and Dale said enthusiastically.

Upcoming fair concerts include Katy Perry, Peter Cetera with the Oregon Symphony, American idol winner David Cook, Blake Shelton, the legendary Doobie Brothers, and country great Reba McEntire slated for the grand finale on September 7th. So many momentous events create or continue Oregon State Fair traditions for young and old alike.

The second annual Veteran's Appreciation Day was marked by a flyover by two f-15s with the 142nd Fighter Wing Portland Air National Guard base at noon Saturday.

Veterans say the special recognition really matters.

Bob Markum who served during the Vietnam conflict said, "This is a good deal. They haven't recognized much but this is something. I like it."

Cliff Kester was one of the veterans who marched in the annual parade through the fairgrounds. "It went great and I'll tell you what, I'm proud to carry that flag."

"It makes me feel real great and I support our troops, and America," commented one veteran involved in the event.

WATCH VIDEO REPORT BELOW:

Video
Produced by Tim King
Bonnie King is one of the few media professionals who has extensive time in four relevant areas; radio, television, newspaper and Internet. She has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers.

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