Capi LynnSalem Statesman Journal
The 158th Oregon State Fair kicks off Friday with everything you have come to expect — barns filled with adorable farm animals, a midway jammed with carnival rides and games, a food court loaded with deep-fried sweets and other greasy fare, and multiple buildings and stages packed with exhibitors and entertainers.
But even if you are a faithful fairgroers, there are new things to experience.
Check out the Oregon State Fair website for a daily schedule.
In the meantime, here are seven things you might not want to miss:
1. Hundreds of drones to light up the sky at Oregon State Fair
Fairgoers will be treated to a nightly performance produced by Amazing Drone Shows from 10 to 10:15 p.m.
The New Jersey-based company says its shows use a fleet of synchronized drones equipped with LED lights to create choreographed displays in the night sky. Software controls each drone's position and lighting.
The state fair team has worked with Amazing Drone Shows to come up with visual displays tailored to the local community. A custom soundtrack has been mixed for each night as hundreds of drones light up the sky.
The show should be viewable from anywhere on the fairgrounds, but a recommended central vantage point is near the Spirit of Oregon Stage.
Amazing Drone Shows notes in the FAQ section of its website that weather conditions can impact shows: "In cases of strong winds, rain, or storms, performances may need to be postponed or rescheduled for safety reasons."
2. New on the food menu: Sushi and dirty soda
Fairgoers should be be able to realize their deep-fried dreams and locate their fair favorites, such as funnel cakes and Oregon Dairy Women ice cream, but they also can sample the goods of 10 new vendors.
Momiji Sushi and Floso Dirty Soda are new to the lineup, both located in the Green Acres Landscape Plaza.
Bahama B's, Michellagua, Rum Jungle and Fiesta Bar also are among those listed as new in the Food Court between the Kiddie Carnival and the Historic Horse Stadium.
The food map on the Oregon State Fair website will help pinpoint locations of all 80 vendors, most of them concentrated across the mid-section of the 185-acre fairgrounds.
3. Puppies and sea lions on stage, oh my
Returning to the Family Fun Camp venue are last year's newcomers: The Flying Fools daredevil divers and Circus Imagination & Clown College.
Puppies and sea lions are getting into the act this year.
Puppy Pals Live features a group of adopted and rescued pups who have gone from shelters to showbiz. They perform stunts daily from noon to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 to 3 p.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Sea Lion Splash features Lilly and Maya balancing balls and doing gymnastics alongside their trainers. They perform daily from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4 to 4:30 p.m., 6 to 6:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They pose for photos after each show, with prints ranging from $20 to $35, depending on the size.
Another new Fun Camp offering is the Family Farm Experience. Visitors can milk a cow, gather eggs and enjoy an interactive kids’ farmers market. It is sponsored by Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences and open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Watch a bread-making demo at 1 and 5 p.m. and a butter demo at 2:30 p.m.
4. Fun zone has bouncy houses and more
The Bounce-N-Battle Fun Zone may be as appealing to adults as it is children, but it will cost you extra. Tickets in addition to fair admission are $22 on weekdays and $25 on weekend days.
The fun zone, in the Playground at the north end of the fairgrounds, will feature more than just bouncy houses and slides. A baseball toss, hoop zone and axe throw challenge are among the other draws.
5. New rides to offer thrills and chills
Portland-based Rainier Amusem*nts will operate 58 rides during the fair, including eight new attractions: Sleigh Ride, Big Splash, Zombie Circus, Super Shot, Rainier Giant Wheel, Harley Bikes, Dune Buggy Combo and Surf Shack.
The Sleigh Ride spins at 11.5 RPM and comes alive at night with all of its LED lights and high-powered music.
The Big Splash is a log ride, one of only five traveling flume rides in the U.S. As the name advertises, riders may get soaked.
Zombie Circus features multiple animatronic characters throughout a self-guided maze under the big top, with a live action actor near the end.
Carnival wristbands, good for unlimited carnival rides, three games and a medium drink, are $60 on weekdays and $70 on weekend days. Fair admission is not included.
6. Concerts include a variety of genres
The L.B. Day Amphitheatre stage is sure to be rockin' throughout the fair, with concerts scheduled for most evenings.
The nine shows will feature something for everyone, including rock, country, rap and reggae. None will sell out before the day of because some general admission seating for each concert is free with fair admission on a first-come, first-served basis while available. The amphitheater seats 8,900.
As of Wednesday, reserved seats remained available for all shows, although limited for Ludacris and Foreigner. Reserved seat tickets range from $50 to $145, depending on the show and seat location. All reserved seat tickets include fair admission.
Doors for all but one concert open at 6:30 p.m. with shows at 7:30 p.m. The Sept. 2 show — on the final day of the fair — is at 4 p.m., with doors opening at 3 p.m.
Fair concert tickets are available only at oregonstatefair.org via FunCard with no service fees.
7. Check out these admission deals
If you missed out on pre-fair deals, there are still ways to save a few bucks on specific days.
Admission on opening day is $5 courtesy of sponsor Mattress Firm. The $5 tickets can only be purchased that day at the gates and is a half-price or better deal on regular admission for children 6-12 ($10) and adults 13-64 ($12). Fair admission is $3 for seniors (65 or better) and free for children 5 and under.
"Share at the Fair Day" is Wednesday, Aug. 28, with $2 off admission when you donate two cans of food. The deal cannont be combined with any other offer. The National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of nearly 10,000 cans of beans. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the sculpture and donate the cans to Marion Polk Food Share.
Free admission for children ages 6-12 is Thursday, Aug. 29, saving families $10 a kid. Ages 5 and younger are free every day during the fair.
"Heroes Day" is Monday, Sept. 2, with free admission for military, first responders, teachers, health care workers and their families.
Free parking passes are available with purchase at Oregon Wilco stores through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. The limit is one per purchase, with no minimum dollar amount required. Wilco locations include Salem, Silverton and Stayton.
Capi Lynn is a senior reporter for the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips to her at clynn@statesmanjournal.com, and follow her work on X @CapiLynn and Facebook @CapiLynnSJ.
