Click Here for This Year's Oregon County Fair Dates
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon in May. We were reading the Oregonian newspaper. An article caught my eye about the County Fairs in Oregon making a comeback. I thought to myself, "Gosh, I hadn't been to a Fair in about 10 years...Hmmm, how about going to all 36 Oregon County Fairs. HONEY...what would you think if..."
And that's how it all started. It seemed innocent and fun then. Little did we know the journey we would take to get to the last County Fair. Vicki, my charming bride of 27 years had a job, so we were going to have to use our weekends very efficiently. But I was footloose and looking for trouble. We made our list, checked it twice, colored in our map and waited for the Fourth of July to come and go so we could get started. It was some time in June we noticed that many of the Fairs were not open Sundays. That threw a monkey wrench in our planning. Could we still do it?
So here's a list of our weekly adventures.
Week 1 - July 8, 2000
We visited the Marion County Fair on Saturday July 8. The Marion County Fair in Salem is held at the State Fair grounds. It kind of gets lost in the big grounds. But it was fun. However, we felt like secret shoppers, knowing we had to report to friends and family about the Fairs. Being an inexperienced, untrained reporter immediately caused my stomach to turn. I had a camera and Vic had a tape recorder but, how were we going to do this so we could report to all the people we had told of our crazy plan. Now, back to the Fair.
When we arrived at the Fair we parked in a large grassy field. Stepping out of our car we were immediately met with that smell of straw and cows. I suppose it brought back memories of previous Fairs decades ago. So we went in and wandered over to the animal barn area. There were a lot of 4H members at this Fair. Later in comparing it to other Fairs, it did have a large animal area. We wandered around to the open food and textile exhibits. We sat in on a fashion show by older 4H members. We didn't realize this was an actual 4H program to teach poise, grooming and confidence. We wandered a little more, listened to a local musician and nibbled on some Fair food. Then we drove back to Portland taking Hwy 99W up through St. Paul and home.
Week 2 - July 15, 2000
This week we had two Fairs. It is nice that the Fair schedule starts easy. Friday afternoon we drove down to the coast to Newport to see the Lincoln County Fair. This was a nice sized Fair. Parking was a little scary because there didn't appear to be any. Hundreds of cars were just parked everywhere in a congested residential/school area. We drove a few blocks and parked half on and off the road like everyone else. The weather was perfect for the Oregon Coast, clear, cool and windy. We wandered through the amusement area and the food and textile areas. There was barrel racing going on in the Rodeo Arena. We left around 9:00 pm and drove over to Lebanon to stay the night.
Early Saturday morning we gassed up and headed over to the Crook County Fair in Prineville. We arrived around 9:30 and walked on in. On the drive over we did some soul searching about how we were going to report on the 34 remaining Fairs. Pictures of last night’s Fair animals and exhibits looked similar to the Marion County Fair. We were going to have to dig down and get some local color. So we went digging. Our first stop, after restrooms, was the animal barn. Speaking of restrooms, we found every County Fair restroom to be clean, presentable and with enough supplies.
Prineville has a large indoor arena that was filled with 4H members judging each other’s animals. We asked a 4H mom what was going on and she cheerfully explained how part of the learning was to judge others animals and verbally present your judging reasons. That sounded like a good plan. We wandered over to a group of 4H members with sheep and talked a little more about their programs. We still didn't know much about 4H but were starting to get a feeling about its significance and the importance of County Fairs. We wandered the animal areas and the amusement area and wandered off to home. We were a little perplexed at the Fairs so far as they did not have good signage. Usually commercial festivals have signs and banners at every fork in the road directing folks to the Fair.
Week 3 - July 22, 2000
We attended the Multnomah County Fair on Tuesday. The 94th annual Multnomah County Fair is held at Oaks Park in Portland. Oaks Park is a year round fun center with a carnival and food area. The grounds are filled with old oak trees with frontage on the Willamette River. The Multnomah County Fair started in 1907 in Gresham. This County Fair was basically abandoned by the Multnomah County Commissioners about 7 years ago. A group of "Friends of the Multnomah County Fair" took over the operation of the Fair. It continued to be held at the County Exposition center but the rent charged by the County escalated beyond reason. The past few years it has been held at this location. There is a large amusement area that is operated by Oaks Park. The Park has the second largest indoor roller skating rink in the US. The 4H and public animal exhibits were a bit sparse but the grounds were great to walk around. There were some indoor exhibit areas. It was a fun evening.
Friday evening we drove to St. Helens. The 85th annual Columbia County Fair was held at St. Helens. This Fair sure felt friendly. We would be walking by people, neighbors maybe, just talking like long lost friends. The grounds were well maintained and roomy. The food area had the 4 basic food groups plus local action. This Fair had the largest group of horses we have seen. We got the feeling that this County Fair Grounds could be a working Farm, Dairy or Ranch. There were facilities all over that made it seem like it could be busy year round. The Rodeo stands were full of cheering fans. This is a great part of this County Fair. This Fair was thoroughly enjoyable.
Saturday early, we drove down to Central Point (N. of Medford). We were quite impressed with the size of the Jackson County Fair. They have a large covered horse arena, large indoor commercial exhibit area and just large everything. The parking was very well done. There were many young attendants with flags directing traffic. It felt organized. This was a well laid out food area with lots of seating. The grounds were constantly being cleaned like at Disneyland. We were told that Jackson County has the largest youth livestock show and auction on the west coast. This was a pleasant large Fair to wander around. Looks like Beef Cattle are the thing in this area.
We left Central Point midday to drive up I-5 to the Linn County Fair in Albany. This facility is Oregon's newest Fair and expo facility. It felt open and roomy right by the airport and I-5 Freeway. It doesn't quite have the straw and cow scent to it yet, but I bet it will happen. This was our first run in with Brad's World of Reptiles. We later found out they were also in Central Point. This is a hands on situation that draws kids like crazy. This was our first opportunity to sit in on a 4H auction. The 4H auction is the culmination of the 4H members project. They have to care for their animal and get it ready for market. Then they go to potential buyers in the area to get commitments to bid on their animal. It is very common for a member of 4H while learning personal discipline, responsibility, respect and social skills to make enough money at the 4H market auction to pay for college. This experience really teaches 4H kids courtesy, good grooming, poise and confidence and how to fit, train and handle animals. This was the first Fair where we found Kettle Corn. This basic Fair food group was to soon become our downfall. We left the Fairgrounds as it was getting dark and Toby Keith was beginning his concert.
Week 4 - July 29, 2000
Thursday we drove up to Odell to the Hood River County Fair and were met with a large stage and people singing and dancing. It reminded us of that Coca Cola song years ago I'd like to teach the world to sing. This is such a delightful setting in Odell in the heart of the Hood River Valley where there are more than 14,000 acres of commercial orchards growing pears, apples, cherries and peaches. There are many animal buildings and indoor open exhibits. We felt comfortable talking with many of the local folks. From the President of the garden club to the local County Sheriffs and the Extension agents and 4H leaders and moms, everyone was friendly and helpful. We got the feeling that the County Fair here was a magnet for community involvement and volunteerism. We were impressed.
It was an interesting weekend. Friday night we drove to Roseburg for the night. In the morning we gassed up and were on the road at 7:00 to Gold Beach. I figured we had lots of time to get to Gold Beach by 10:00.
So here's the rest of the story. On USGS detailed maps there is a light gray road called Hwy 23 that cuts over the coast range between Merlin and Agness. It is usually closed in the winter. Well, it was paved but the twistiest road I have ever been on. It was usually one lane with turnouts. We met five cars on the 40 mile segment between Galice and Agness. So around 11:30 we pulled into Gold Beach.
The Curry County Fair in Gold Beach was larger than I expected. We met wonderful people once again. It was 65ish and clear with a breeze off the ocean. Very Pleasant. We met a charming gal that has lived in Gold Beach for 48 years that does food dehydrating. She does up dried beans. Some of the plant seeds can be traced back to the turn of the century. We met a real cowboy that we will meet up with in Fossil in a few weeks.
So we left at 1:00 for what I thought would be a five hour drive to Madras. Up to Coquille, Over to Roseburg, Up to Springfield, over to Sisters and Redmond and up to Madras. Well...365 miles and seven hours later we pull into the Jefferson County Fair at Madras. I have to look closer at the mileage between cities. So Sunday on the kitchen table we have identified some real troubles ahead. We'll just have to readjust. We need an airplane.
Back to the Jefferson County Fair. When we pulled in to Madras at 8:00 pm the temperature was still in the 90's. The Fairgrounds were large and well tended. It was the last day of the 4 day Fair so things were winding down. We saw the largest selection of canned foods so far. There is a large indoor arena that must have been 100 degrees during the day. There were lots of people having a fun time. The 4H auction was going on. I sure recommend everyone go to any county Fair, talk with the kids showing and selling their market animals and then watch them at the auction. This 4H experience builds such maturity in these 9-19 year old kids.
Week 5 - August 5, 2000
Tuesday in Corvallis. I have never seen so many people or cars in a parking lot as this Benton County Fair. The grounds were nice with groves of old oak trees. There were many animal barns and indoor exhibit areas. We talked with numerous 4H members and group leaders. Nice area and 4H action.
Wednesday in Astoria for the Clatsop County Fair. 7 miles east of town towards Vernonia. These Fair people need more and better signs. Maybe it is a test. I don't know. They must assume everyone knows where the Fairgrounds are. Great clear sky and sweatshirt beach weather. Small Fairgrounds but well attended. They have a new large multipurpose building that all the animals were in. Kettle Corn was great.
Thursday in McMinnville at the Yamhill County Fair. We met some delightful Bobbin Lace ladies doing exotically trimmed handkerchiefs and doilies. A fun Sheep judging affair. We are very impressed with the judges at 4H and FFA events. They beforehand tell what they expect of the members and their animals. Then afterwards they usually explain why they judged the way they did.
Friday at the Washington County Fair in Hillsboro. We parked in Beaverton and took the Max light rail train to the Hillsboro Fairplex. Lots of activity throughout the grounds. Good 4H auction activity and Rodeo activity. What is it about the swine barns that you can always tell you are in their area before you get there? Maybe its their metabolism. The Dairy Wives ice cream area was booming.
Saturday morning at 4:00 am we were off to LaGrande. After breakfast near John Day Dam and a short nap near Pendleton we arrived at the Union County Fair in LaGrande at 9:00. This is a fun Eastern Oregon community. The Fairgrounds are old but well maintained and fun. Lots of local folks watching animal judging. There was dog training judging going on. We had some home made biscuits and sausage gravy that were the best.
Off to Baker City for the Baker County Fair. Baker City and Halfway seem to be fighting for the right to hold the County Fair. So some Fair activities are held in Baker City and some are held over Labor Day in Halfway (now called half.com). This was a small Fair.
We have noticed the kids in Eastern Oregon in 90+ degree weather at Fairs squirt each other with water a lot. You need to watch what you are walking into to keep dry.
Off to Ontario for the Malheur County Fair. Officially 98 degrees. But its a dry heat. Nice old Fairgrounds. Well attended even with the heat. Lots of kids squirting water at each other. There were lots of animal barns. We saw the biggest steer we have ever seen. We guessed its weight at 2800 pounds (turned out to be 2540 pounds). Nice Fair.
We were going to stay in Ontario but we took off towards Redmond for their Fair Sunday. There was still lots of daylight left so we drove off toward John Day. Well, there was a horse show, a high school class reunion and a car show there. No motel rooms. Same thing in Mt. Vernon. We kept driving toward Prineville. We could see smoke from fires in the Strawberry mountains and NW of John Day. Lots of smoke. We finally found a little no-tell motel in Prineville about 10:00 to end a long day.
Bright and early Sunday we were off to Redmond for the Deschutes County Fair. We got there early and wandered around before the gates officially opened. This Fairground is monstrous but easy to get around. It is built around a circle. Bazillions of people. Hundreds of animals. Lots of kids to talk with. Gorgeous mountains for a backdrop. This Fair and Columbia County Fair in St. Helens are in the running for our top county Fair award. But they are as different as night and day.
18 down and 18 to go. 3500 miles so far. Yee ha. This was an interesting County Fair week.
This coming week we will be in Tillamook, Rickreall, Hermiston, Enterprise, Fossil, Myrtle Point, Roseburg and Klamath Falls. It is the most difficult week on this Odyssey.
Week 6 - August 12, 2000
Wednesday we were in Tillamook for the Tillamook County Fair. Now this was a nice Fair. The road from Portland was shorter than I remembered from years ago. Very large Dairy barn area. Lots of Jersey cows and Brown Swiss. The best Kettle Corn yet. Neat grounds. Lots of local support. We missed the Pig-N-Ford races which started Thursday. But we saw the Charlie Daniels Band. This Fair felt like it had great community support.
The Polk County Fair in Rickreall. Well...what a surprise here. We had never driven West from Salem to this area. The Fair manager, Tina Anderson had made a large vinyl sign “Welcome to the Polk County Fair Ken and Vicki Miller”. Therefore, an obviously excellent Fair. The grounds were large, roomy and well tended. Lots of local support. They have a large playground area for the kids. A swing band was playing music from the 40's. It was just magical to walk around in the evening air as the sun set and the moon rose. Well done Fair.
Friday morning at 4:30 we began our 1300 mile two day race to 6 Fairs. We arrived at the Coos County Fair in Myrtle Point at 9:00. Myrtle Point is inland about 15 miles from Bandon. It was overcast like the beach frequently is and about 60 degrees. The sun started to break through the clouds and made for a wonderful morning. We had some frybread at the "Betty's Scones" trailer and walked the grounds. This was another surprise. It looks like this Fair is very well supported by the local community. All the buildings were large and roomy. The Fair grounds were gorgeous with Dahlias and big areas of bright colorspots all around. Someone at the Fair really puts in a big effort to permanently make these grounds look colorful and inviting.
Off to Roseburg. But first...we stopped at a real A&W Drive-In located in Winston. Just like the old days. You drive up, push a button, order your food, they bring it out, it's great. Go into downtown Winston to find it. 1/2 mile past the road to Wildlife Safari.
The Douglas County Fair has a very large home right along the freeway in Roseburg. They had a fun area called kidsville that had hands-on exhibits for the kids. Lots of horses. The area where the people stay overnight in tents and travel trailers is right by the river. The pens for the sheep, goats, etc. were large. Some had 8 animals in them. Usually the animals are in 5' x 5' wooden pens. This was a large Fair with lots of exhibits and visitors. Signage and traffic control was well done. This large Fair had a neat well run feel to it.
Off to Klamath Falls for the Klamath County Fair. Boy, they could use some road signs to the Fair in this town. The Fairground has one very large "Event Center" that holds the indoor rodeo and music events. It is a nice large multi purpose building. The exhibits were off in other buildings. It is a large Fairground area. Roomy food area with local merchants. Another very good sized auction arena. Lots of Beef Cattle. Neat clean grounds.
Off to Bend for the night, then up early to drive to the Wheeler County Fair in Fossil. We have been looking forward to this Fair in this small town. There are around 2000 people living in Wheeler County. About 500 live in the Fossil area. It was very small. Basically the Rodeo and some open class exhibits and a few small animals. But what a fun place. There was a parade at 11:00. We wandered around and talked with the residents. This is really good stuff. After the parade we left for Hermiston thinking about how we could bail out of living in Portland and somehow live with these friendly people in Wheeler County. We'll see what happens over the next few years.
So, we drove up to Hermiston seeing mile after mile of wheat fields. Wonder what it's like out here in January? The Umatilla County Fair in Hermiston is a nice size. Animal barns were roomy. There was a large food area with local service clubs selling food. It had a nice friendly feel to it. Good parking, good food and friendly people.
On the road to LaGrande and then to Enterprise for the Wallowa County Fair. In Enterprise, I would think some kind of a sign would be nice. All the folks driving to Joseph could be prospects to visit the local County Fair. This was a fun small Fair. There was a lively auction going on. The local 4H folks had a snack bar with hot dogs and hamburgers. Nice size Rodeo arena. There was a large grassy area where lots of folks talked and wandered. It was a nice Fair. Then back to Portland.
26 down - 10 to go. 1600 miles later. One more big week and we have easy sailing. This was a busy week.
Week 7 - August 19, 2000
Tuesday we drove to Canby for the Clackamas County Fair. We had never been to this Fair. Wow...what a big Fair. The grounds just wander all over. There were bazillions of people. Lots of food areas. Some local food vendors like Busters Barbecue. Large show barns. Lots of show animals. There was an old west town area with people demonstrating turn of the 20th century skills. Big pro rodeo with fun entertainers. I would guess this Fair has as many people per day as the state Fair. just a guess. Great job.
Friday at noon we began our weekend trek out I-84. The Portland rain ended at Hood River. We took 197 to Tygh Valley. What a gorgeous drive. Golden wheat fields rolling as far as you can see. The Wasco County Fair in Tygh Valley had about the best highway direction signs we have seen. Roomy Fair. Good parking. We met a group of young girls that wanted to tell us all about their animals and 4H. Rodeo with local people competing to cut 3 specific cows from a herd of 30. For us this was better than a pro rodeo to watch. A great small Fair down in a gorgeous valley with majestic rolling hills all around.
We drove back up 197 to I-84 and at Arlington took Hwy 74 to Heppner. We have to learn...about the time we say "Hey this is a straight fast road" it changes. It was another picturesque trip. And, what a surprise Heppner is. Wide streets with new sidewalks. It looks like money has been spent in town to modernize.
Just before we would have gotten a radar speeding ticket in a 25 mph zone, we slowed down to gas up in Heppner and drove slowly to the Morrow County Fair. What a surprise. Big and roomy. Large rodeo grounds. But the biggest surprise was when we walked into the Fair office to ask to find the restroom and we were greeted with "we wondered when you guys were going to arrive" What a friendly bunch. After a quick restroom break, Fair Secretary LaRae Kindle had a basket of local goodies for us. County Commissioner Judge Terry Tallman and his wife Cheryl wanted to get a picture taken of all of us. We then watched Judge Tallman judging the local children's talent competition. Many animal exhibits in their new animal barn. The rodeo was packed with people as the sun began to transform the clouds in the Eastern Oregon sky with a fluorescent pink glow.
We began our trip to Pendleton for a nights stay. But wait...are those small cows down in the green fields outside of Heppner? No...they are deer. We have never seen so many deer grazing in green fields as on this trip out of Heppner. We saw dozens.
We had a nice sleep in at the Pendleton Red Lion. We left at 6:00 for John Day. Around 7:00 we pulled off the highway for a little cold cereal and fruit. About 100 yards off the road we noticed what appeared to be a few weeds in the wheat fields. Then, as we watched, the weeds changed to pairs of pointy ears. We had found dozens of resting deer again. We stopped in Ukiah for coffee and saw 2 elk alongside the road. This is a wild west looking town.
We arrived in John Day for the Grant County Fair around 9:00 and found a bustling Fair area. Mornings are so fun to wander through the animal barns and talk with the 4H and FFA kids doing assigned chores. We met two young boys that are sure their picture on our Fair web page will make them famous. A girl within earshot disagreed. Lots of 4H and FFA animals. Neat food and amusement area. Large rodeo grounds. Met up again with Rob Estabrook - 1998 NWProRodeo Pickupman of the year. he was teaching calves where the gate across the arena was located. Met the Monument School Superintendent Lynn Reagan and 2 agriculture teachers from John Day and Longcreek. Really good people. Really fun Fair. We pulled out of town at 11:00 for our 7 hour drive to Grants Pass just as the parade was starting . We waved to the people on the sidewalks as we exited a great part of Oregon. We'll be back.
We drove to Prineville - Bend - skirted the Crater Lake area and on to Grants Pass. Just about exactly 7 hours after leaving John Day we arrived at the Josephine County Fair in Grants Pass. Another monstrous Fair. We had to park half way to Cave Junction and took the tractor powered Disneyland like bus to the Fair entrance. They have a large concrete grandstand area that is usually used for horse racing. This day it was filled with screaming people for the "Tuff Truck Monster Trucks". What a sound - 1000 horsepower engines bellowing at 6000 rpm followed by screaming beer enriched fans. On to the Fair. Yikes - yet bazillions more happy families. How many people live in this state? This is another monstrous Fair. As big as the Clackamas, Central Point and Redmond Fairs. We stopped in to witness a 4H award ceremony that just brings screams and tears of joy to many parents and 4H members. This is such good stuff. The food area and amusement area were roomy and very well attended. This was our first Fair that was testing the capacity of the restrooms. Large animal barn area. Large open competition and 4H crafts area. This is a really busy big Fair. Bought more Kettle Corn.
That night we drove up to the Eugene Red Lion and did not set our alarm. Sunday we calmly awoke to a clear crisp morning. We arrived at the Lane County Fair about 9:00. I didn't think Fairgrounds could get any larger...but surprise, surprise. We were there early enough to get ahead of the crowds. It was a good thing. This Fairgrounds area is spread all over. We had good visits with Horse and Cow people. We wanted to wake up Willie Nelson in his bus, but Security suggested we choose another area to visit. The Lane County Fair has large exhibit buildings filled with open competition, 4H and commercial exhibits. We met a charming happy hooker...in the textiles demonstration area (her description, not ours). The Fair was rapidly filling with happy people as we left for our drive home up 99W.
1100 miles this past week - 32 down - 4 Fairs to go
This great State just has great County Fairs. We're proud to live here. At the Lane County Fair, we think we found a glimmer of an idea for our next Oregon adventure.
Week 8 - September 2, 2000
We drove over to Bend Friday night and left Bend for Lakeview at 5:00 am Saturday. We could not believe how cold it was for early September. When we drove through LaPine our car outdoor thermometer and a time and temperature sign both read 30 degrees. As we drove toward Silver Lake the temperature dropped to 26 degrees and me wearing shorts. We had breakfast at the Silver Lake Cafe and Bar. There were deer frolicking in the wheat stubble and dozens of cranes grazing in another field.
The Lake County Fair in Lakeview really got hit with a bad deal. They got over an inch of rain Friday and everything was wet, flooded, muddy or puddled. They canceled some stuff and some vendors left Friday night. When we got there about 9:00 am the temperature was 43 degrees with snow in the hills and a cold wind blowing. The rodeo grounds where Mark Chestnut was scheduled to play Saturday night was a 6 inch thick pool of mud. But every person and 4H-FFA person we met was full of good spirit and determination. You just have to love every one of these Fair people. The Fairgrounds for a small town this size was well done. Large carnival ride area. They have a round agricultural sale barn patterned after the round Pete French barn in Frenchglen. There are ample animal barns and commercial buildings. Lots of good grits from trailers and local groups.
We drove 7 hours up to the Gilliam County Fair in Condon and got there in time for the high school rodeo, 4H awards, hamburgers cooked by dads of high school kids and some fun chats with more good Fair people. (Gilliam is pronounced "GILL-um" by residents) There were some strong rain showers around the area but the Fair only received a little rain. Condon is up on top of one of the many rolling hills and is just a gorgeous location. They have a very large rodeo arena. Their Fair rodeo is just for high school kids. They have many animal barns and a large commercial exhibit building. No carnival rides at this Fair. It is evident that there is vigorous local support for this Fair. The gorgeous vistas of wheat fields as far as you can see, rainbows and storm clouds plodding toward Montana were breathtaking. If someone would have offered us jobs and a place to live in Condon, we would be moving Monday. Burns and Moro next week - and that's it for our Road Show 2000.
34 county Fairs visited - 2 Fairs to go - 830 miles this past week
Week 9 - September 9, 2000
We started off this final weekend driving to Bend Friday night for the Harney County Fair in Burns. Saturday morning we were on the road to Burns at 5:00 am. On the way we saw coyote, antelope, deer, porcupine, cranes and lots of cattle.
We arrived at the Burns high school at 7:15 for their Cattlewoman's breakfast. Don Slone, the Fair manager was very gracious. He introduced us to many local folks. We had Steak, eggs and pancakes in the high school auditorium with what must have been the entire population of Harney county. After breakfast, we wandered over to the Fairgrounds to visit the animal areas and met more families. This is a large sized Fairgrounds with many animal barns, display areas and a large rodeo arena.
At 9:30 we drove over to "Main" street for the parade. What a kick that was. The sidewalk was packed with people. There were lots of different entrants in the parade, from a three year old pulling a small wagon with her tricycle to large pieces of farm equipment. There is just something magical about a parade in a town like Burns.
While I have a chance to get on my soapbox, I want to make one observation. The combination of the local schools and the local 4H groups coming together at the County Fair is the perfect solution to what ails any community. This brings together everyone to work toward developing today's youth into being tomorrow's leaders.
After the parade, we went back over to the Fairgrounds along with hundreds of other Fair goers. We had a fun time mingling with lots of cowboys that could have been extras in Clint Eastwood's "High Plains Drifter" movie. There were oodles of people just walking and sitting and talking. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time at the Harney County Fair in Burns. I recommend everyone spend a weekend in Burns next year at the Breakfast and County Fair and explore the area.
We left before noon to drive back to Bend and up to the Sherman County Fair in Moro for the final Fair in our 2000 County Fair Road Tour. Moro is one of those neat towns on Hwy 97 we sometimes speed through on our way to somewhere else. This time we turned off and drove to the top of a hill to the Fairgrounds. After parking, we looked up the Sherman County Fair head guy, Ted Sabey. He introduced us to folks as we headed over to the awards ceremony. Awards ceremonies at the County Fairs are important. The 4H and FFA kids compete to have the best Livestock breed, be the best at showing their animal, or livestock judging. All of this 4H and FFA activity teaches kids courtesy, good grooming, poise and confidence and how to fit, train and handle animals. It is the best.
After the awards presentations we wandered around the Fairgrounds. There is a full sized Rodeo Arena. They were having a rodeo for small kids. We are amazed at all the volunteer activity at the County Fairs. In this rodeo arena, there were dozens of adults around teaching youngsters riding and roping and courtesy and poise and confidence. This is more good stuff the County Fairs provide. We wandered around the many animal barns and indoor open exhibits. This is a very nice sized Fair. The involvement of the local people is strong and evident.
We have completed our summer long visit to the 36 Oregon County Fairs. 7730 miles. $730 for gas, $649 for motels, $245 for Kettle Corn, hot dogs, etc., $444 for film and developing. Total of $2068 for 7-8 summer weeks of fun. No speeding tickets. No Thunderstorms (darn). I think I would do it over again. I'm not sure about Vic. I'll check with her next spring.
I guess if there is one summary I could make about our summer long journey to Oregon's County Fairs, it would be that the County Fairs provide an excellent place to come together to develop today's youth into being tomorrow's leaders. This learning happens year round but the focus and the goal is pointed toward the County Fair Date. I think this is a valuable asset that needs to be cultivated and supported by all of us. I want to spread the word to everyone.
So long, until our next adventure. Rumors abound about our next adventure but my immediate goal is to find a job in the Web Page Development and Design field and let this summers memories sprout seeds for our future.
Ken Miller
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