Many Oregonians have fond memories of visits to the Oregon State Fair. Taking place every summer from the end of August through Labor Day, the fair has something for almost everyone. The fair has a long history in the state – the unofficial beginning of the event was in 1858, when farmers came together, primarily to share resources and information about agriculture in the Oregon Territory. Starting in 1862, the Oregon State Fair was held in the same location it still occupies and has continued yearly to the present day. There have been a few years it didn’t occur, including during WWII and for the pandemic in 2020, but it’s been a staple of Marion County and Oregon life for almost every year of its long history.
The Carnival at the Oregon State Fair
For some, no trip to the Oregon State Fair is complete without a chunk of time spent on the midway. Visitors can play all of the traditional games like skeet shooting, bottle toss and strength contests. The rides are a huge draw and include rides appropriate for everyone, from preschoolers to the most adventurous adults. Roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and swings are some of the classic rides that always appear at the Oregon State Fair. New rides appear yearly as well, and adults and children alike line up for Salem’s best carnival of the year. Riding at night can be particularly fun – you can see and hear the concerts at the amphitheater, and the neon of the rides lights up the entire fair.
The fair lift is a classic part of the Oregon State Fair. A chairlift runs from one end of the grounds to the other, offering a bird’s eye view of the carnival, food, and children’s areas. It can feel a bit disorienting at first, but it’s a wonderful way to take a break from walking and really get a sense of the whole fair.
Oregon State Fair Features Livestock and Poultry
Some of the oldest buildings at the fair are those for livestock and poultry. The poultry building even features busts of chickens at the top, coming out of the building. Animals competing for prizes, both in the regular categories and for 4-H, include rabbits, chickens, pigeons, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, llamas, and pigs. Visitors can see the animals competing in the two animal buildings and often interact with some of the animals.
For those who love horses, the Oregon State Fair is a must-visit event. Visitors can see showings of a wide variety of horses, from draft horses to Tennesse walking horses, miniature horses to burros. These take place in the livestock pavilion, an old building that may smell funky but provides cool shade to fairgoers who need a break from the sun.
Creative Competitions at the Oregon State Fair
No trip to the fair would be complete without a visit to Columbia Hall, where competitions for everything from table settings and quilts to LEGOs and photographs come from around the state. In addition to the visual categories, you can also check out the prize-winning fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. People from all over Oregon get out their best recipes, work on paintings all year, and plant early, hoping to have their creative endeavor take a blue ribbon.
Oregon State Fair’s Concerts and Performances
Because of the size of the fairgrounds, any time of the day or night, there’s some kind of performance going on! Well-known national acts fill the L.B. Day Amphitheater, adjacent to the carnival, while other smaller stages are scattered around the fair. Local and regional musical and dance performances offer fairgoers a great chance to see and hear artistry they normally might not be exposed to.
Bring the Kids to the Family Area
People with children and anyone young at heart will enjoy the family area. The petting zoo is always a highlight, as are the animal races (pigs and ducks), clown and magic performances, and the tents with games and puzzles for families.
Eat and Shop at the Oregon State Fair’s Artisan Market and Food Vendors
For those who like arts and crafts, the work in the artisan market at the Oregon State Fair is a can’t-miss event. Pottery, jewelry, blacksmithing, and glass blowing are just some of the crafts represented. Artists come from around the country to the State Fair to exhibit their work, and the quality is very high.
Anyone who gets hungry at the fair doesn’t need to look far to find good food. Whether you are looking for traditional fair food like funnel cakes or hot dogs or for a taste of Salem restaurants, the Oregon State Fair excels at food. Traditional fair food tends to be set up near the carnival, while the local restaurant carts are near the artisan market and Columbia Hall. Local restaurants serve burgers, fried chicken, sushi, and an array of local Mexican favorites.
The Oregon State Fair, whatever your age, is an unforgettable experience. Many people begin coming as children and keep coming throughout their lives because of the great mix of old and new that you always see at the fair. Even though it can be hot this time of year in Salem, it’s always worth a trip to the Oregon State Fair!
Oregon State Fairgrounds
2330 17th Street NE, Salem
