It’s kind of a pig deal
Get ready for fun at the Tillamook County Fair
By Chelsea Yarnell
For the TODAY
It’s time to celebrate “Country Roots and Cowboy Boots” at the Tillamook County Fair this Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 7 through 10.
“The ‘Country Roots’ part of this year’s theme speaks to the traditions of Tillamook County,” said Fairgrounds Manager Camy VonSeggern. “It’s the traditions and multiple generations of family roots that are here. As for the ‘Cowboy Boots,’ that's the fun part.”
The roots and the boots will be fully packed into four fun days at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds. Exhibits, 4H and FFA animal projects, food, a carnival, local performers, pari-mutuel horse racing, the world-famous Pig-N-Ford races, live concerts and the much-anticipated Demolition Derby offer fairgoers plenty of choices for the weekend.
“Our fair has so many family-friendly activities,” VonSeggern said. “We have one of the largest exhibit departments with things from within our county. We really have a lot of Tillamook represented here and that speaks volumes that the community still wants to participate. We also have some of the best daytime programming in the courtyard with local dance studios and local musicians. We try to incorporate everything in the county into the fair.”
Sticking with its roots, the fair has its daily staples and traditions. As a dairy community, it’s fitting that the dairy exhibit is quite large and features an operating milking parlor.
“They take the cows to the fair and milk them,” VonSeggern said. “The milk then gets put into production at the Tillamook Creamery.”
Coming full circle, attendees can get a scoop of Tillamook ice cream at the Tillamook County Creamery Association’s booth located inside the Main Exhibition Hall. Each purchase benefits Tillamook County 4-H.
Keeping the fun rolling, the carnival section of the fair is a big hit for attendees especially since traveling carnivals are hard to secure at smaller fairs.
“Many people look forward to the carnival,” VonSeggern said. “We’re fortunate that it’s so popular and sells tickets. It keeps the carnival interested in coming back.”
Each day, pari-mutuel horse racing is hosted on the dirt track in the main arena.
“The races are live that people can watch and bet on,” VonSeggern said. “We’re one of four horse race meets in the state and the only race that happens during the fair.”
When you start to hear oinking from the racetrack, you know the world-famous Pig-N-Ford races are about to begin.
“It’s a big draw having a stripped down Ford Model T car that you see racing on a dirt track,” VonSeggern said. “It’s fascinating to a lot of people. Add in the mix that these cars are all hand-crank started – they have to master picking up a piglet and then it’s a race for bragging rights.”
Capping off each evening is headlining entertainment beginning at 8 pm. A Girl Named Tom will perform Wednesday evening, the Eagles tribute band Eagle Eyes will take the stage on Thursday night and Kameron Marlow will perform on Friday.
To close out the fair, the Demolition Derby will bring the weekend to a crashing halt. Happening in the Main Grandstands, it draws the biggest crowd of the weekend.
“Bring ear plugs and come early for seating,” VonSeggern said.
All entertainment, except the carnival, is included in the price of admission.
“Our fair has a slower pace and not a lot of pressure,” VonSeggern said. “There’s a lot to see and a lot to experience that you don’t have to pay [more] money for. I want people to genuinely have a good experience. To just know people are having a good time and want to return, that’s my biggest takeaway.”
The fair is open from 10 am to 10 pm and the carnival opens at noon every day of the fair. The Tillamook County Fairgrounds is located at 4603 East Third Street.
Daily admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $8 for ages six to 12 and children ages five and younger are free. Season passes can be purchased for $38. On Wednesday, Aug. 7, kids younger than age 15 can receive free admission to the fair between 10 am and 1 pm with two cans of food. On Thursday, Aug. 8, seniors ages 62 and older and military/veterans can purchase admission for $8. General parking is $5 per car or $20 for premium parking. A portion of parking fees will be donated to the Tillamook Elks Club. For more information and advance tickets, go to tillamookfair.com.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Fair Carousel: Photo by Chelsea Yarnell
Pig-N-Ford: Photo by Chelsea Yarnell
Fair Exhibits: Courtesy of Tillamook County Fair