By Kelly Romo
The Mountain Times
It’s summertime in Canby and the Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo is in full swing August 13-17 at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. Experience the sights, sounds and aromas of the County Fair as you stroll about. Visit livestock exhibits and agricultural displays where farmers and youth proudly showcase the results of their diligent work over the course of the year. Peruse hobby displays and art exhibits and treat yourself to fun-filled carnival rides. Embrace the thrill and excitement of live rodeo, pitting human skill against animal instinct, and enjoy crowd-pleasing performances by your favorite musicians and entertainers.
Everyone loves a parade! So pick a spot, settle in and enjoy the Canby Kiwanis Kiddie Capers Parade, a fun and festive Canby Kiwanis tradition since 1948. A kick off to the Clackamas County Fair, the Kiddie Capers Parade begins at Knight School at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 13 and ends at the fairgrounds. Kids from all across Clackamas County will be “Moovin’ N Groovin’ at the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo,” in costume and riding, walking, pulling or pushing their bikes, wagons, dogs and more.
Join the lively bustle of fairgoers partaking in everything a county fair has to offer. Grab a bite of your favorite festival food served up from any one of 20 different food booths. Visit the Main Pavilion and check out the vendors inside then head upstairs and once again find the creative exhibits of the Hobby Hall, Photography, Quilts and Textiles. If it’s the Art Gallery you’re looking for, make your way to Clackamas Hall where you’ll find a multitude of compositions in oils, acrylics, water colors, pastels, drawings, sculptures and more!
The Fair runs daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, August 13-17 with world-class rodeo competition happening each night in the Canby Rodeo Arena starting at 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never seen the Canby Rodeo, let this be the year you do! The Main Stage this year has been moved to the center of the fairgrounds on the main lawn. Music starts at 9 p.m. (while the rodeo is finishing up), giving more fairgoers a chance to enjoy the night’s entertainment. Please check the Fair’s website for the complete entertainment schedule.
“What makes our county fair special?” asks Brian Crow, Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center Executive Director. “When I think about it, I see the bright lights of the midway, flashing and tracing patterns in the night sky. I see 4H and FFA kids grooming the animals they’ve worked so hard to raise and the community’s handiwork on display for everyone to enjoy. I hear the sounds of kids laughing and screaming on the rides, cows mooing, pigs squealing, bleating lambs and goats, and whatever noise cavies make. Music fills the air from the stage, alongside the auctioneer and rodeo announcer. Friends are telling stories and joking around. I close my eyes and smell cotton candy, corn dogs, barbecue, elephant ears and even the livestock. No matter what your fair memories are, the fact that you can relate to something I mentioned shows how important the county fair is. It strengthens families and friendships, bridges the gap between urban and agricultural communities, and is the foundation for generational memories.”
This year’s fair, presented by NW Employment Solutions, features a unique theme each day with special discounts or free admission to select groups. August 13 is Family Day and kids 12 and under get in FREE with participation in the Kiddie Caper Parade. August 14, Senior Citizen Day, offers reduced entry fees for seniors age 65-74 and FREE admission for those 75 and up. August 15 is First Responder Day – police, fire and paramedics are admitted FREE with corresponding ID. Military Appreciation Day, August 16, all veterans and Armed Service members in uniform or showing service ID are admitted FREE. August 17, the Fair closes with Agriculture Day: the Junior Livestock Auction, Miss Rodeo Oregon Coronation and the VIP Press Party are featured.
The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is located at 694 N.E. 4th Ave. in Canby. For exhibitor information, tickets, food vendors and more visit clackamascountyfair.com.