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Hilary Berg

Grounds for Fun

TOUR

The tilt awhirl carnival ride swooshes by as people wait their turn for the fun ride.

Clackamas County Fair & Events Center has something for everyone. Enjoy dogs? Check. Love the rodeo? Got it. Think Bigfoot is alive and well? Mark your calendar.

The main attraction remains the Clackamas County Fair, Aug. 16–20. Since 1907, residents and visitors alike have descended on the same property to celebrate the community. Generations have made the fair a tradition. CCFEC Executive Director Brian Crow says he hears from all ages speaking fondly of their experiences, then and now.

At the “classic county fair,” expect local and regional bands. Other entertainment includes magician Scott Anderson, Circus Luminescence jugglers and Mr. Statue, among other talents.

A schedule, map, scavenger hunt and more can be accessed via a new app, which contains details about the largest attraction, the world-class Canby Rodeo, currently ranked 57th in the nation.

Pioneer Village, remote-controlled car races, STEM-related activities, a thrill-seeking carnival, plus food make up another portion of the fair. Farm animals, perfect produce and other contest items — think pies, quilts, photography, etc. — remain wildly popular and continue to be the at the fair’s foundation.


Plans are underway for a multi-use 49,000-square-foot building, slated to open 2025, that will be used by the fair and other events. It will also act as a shelter for disaster relief.

Besides the fair, the CCFEC hosts other events. In June, the Clackamas Kennel Club showed their four-legged friends for two days of competition. A different kind of beast altogether, Harefest, July 8–9, remains the mother of all tribute band festivals, ranging from Tom Petty to ACDC. The Wild Hare Festival, July 15–16, boasts music on the dustier, country side of the tracks.

After the July 4-H Horse Fair, the hairiness continues. Presenting the Oregon Bigfoot Festival, July 30. TV personalities such as Jason Hawes from “Ghosthunters” will lead discussions of the paranormal.


A juggler on amotorized iunicycle points at the camera

In August, horses return alongside bulls via the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association., followed by the county fair. Come September, the Northwest High School Rodeo and Collectors West Gun Show take place. Most of October is dedicated to Scare Fair. In December, it’s all Christmas and happy holidays.


The CCFEC takes a break at the beginning of the year, but soon, the calendar and planning starts again, and so does the fun, which is always guaranteed at the Clackamas County Fair & Event Center.

In August, horses return alongside bulls and clowns for the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association, where middle-schoolers compete and show their roping and riding skills. Skipping the County Fair (see above) and into September, the Northwest High School Rodeo happens followed by the Collectors West Gun Show. Most of October, the ghouls come out to play at the Scare Fair. December, it’s all Christmas and happy holidays.

The CCFEC takes a break at the beginning of the year, but once spring hits, the calendar and planning starts again, and so does the fun. Crow says, “I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization. People in the community echo his gratitude. There’s always something to look forward to at the Clackamas County Fair and Event Center.


 



Address

94 N.E. Fourth Avenue

Canby, OR 97013

Office Hours

Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed weekends

Phone: 503-266-1136

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