Oregon State Fair proclaims it is "Too big to miss!" The Oregon State Fair started in the 1800's as a gathering of fruit growers and has evolved to the agricultural festival that it is today. The entire family enjoys the summertime festival, with animal and livestock exhibits, entertainment, carnival rides, festival food, 4H contests and concerts. There is something for everyone at the fair.
Horse Shows
The Historic Horse Show Stadium hosts a 11 day horse show with multi breeds, include Arabian, Miniature, Gypsy, Draft, Mustang, Donkey, American Saddlebred, Pinto, Mule and Tennessee Walking Horses. The fair also features two rodeos, team penning and draft horse shows.
Big Shows
Main Stage entertainment presents big names in entertainment. The main stage shows require an additional ticket purchase for admittance. Tickets are on sale now for the following performances.
- August 22: Bill Engvall. Comedian Bill Engvall stars in and produces the hit TBS sitcom, "The Bill Engvall Show." 8 pm.
- August 23: Vanessa Hudgens, Brought to you by Radio Disney. 7 pm.
- August 24: Doodlebops: Matinee performance straight from their hit TV show on Playhouse Disney. 2 pm.
- August 24: Gary Allan, Rockin' Country Artist. 8 pm.
- August 25: Weird Al Yankovic, king of pop culture parodies. 8 pm.
- August 26: Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Band includes two original members fro Creedence Clearwater Revival. 8 pm.
- August 27: Garrison Keillor, "A Prairie Home Companion: The Rhubarb Tour". 8 pm.
- August 28: Tracy Lawrence and Chris Cagle,7:30 pm.
- August 29: Willie Nelson, Legendary performer and winner of eight Grammy awards. 8 pm.
- August 30: Poison, 8 pm.
- August 31: Ramon Ayala, Mexican accordionist and songwriter. 8 pm.
Free Entertainment
Entertainment on 12 stages is included with the price of admission. See performances by Greg Frisbee Show at the Lil' Big Top; Brandon Cash on the Comcast Center Stage; Hypnomania featuring Travis Fox on the Familyville Stage; Dan Daniella and Oregon Rain on Comcast Center Stage; New Shanghai Circus on the Familyville Stage; IG Exhibit and Guitar Hero; Jest in Time - Circus of Fools, John English 'The Voice', Great American Duck Racing; Let's Pretend Circus, Li' Big Top and NPRA Rodeo, (The NPRA Rodeo is at the historic Horse Stadium on August 28 and 29), Purina Dog Show, Street Beta, Statewide Talent contest , The Joe Stoddard One Man Show; Veterans' Day Parade and USO style show (August 23).
Admission:
Tickets are: Adults $10, Seniors (65+) $4, Children (6-12) and Children 5 and under Free.
Purchase tickets in advance for an across the board savings of $2 per tickets. Advance tickets available and the State Fair and at all participating Safeway TicketsWest outlets.
General Information
The Oregon State Fair is held in the State Fair and Expo Center in Salem, OR. The Fair runs from August 22 through September 1, 2008.
Hours
- Sunday-Thursdays (including Labor Day) 10 am - 10 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays 10 am - 11 pm
Information in this article was gathered on the Oregon State Fair website. Information is subject to change.
