Huge turnout for 117th Multnomah County Fair

INCLUDES COLORFUL HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO | SEE 13 PHOTOS | Bigger and better, discover what attracted so many outer East Portland families, from many cultural backgrounds, to this annual event …

Browsing the commercial vendors, visitors enjoyed lovely summer-like weather at the 117th Multnomah County Fair held at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

By all measures, the 117th Multnomah County Fair – celebrating its 118th season over the Memorial Day weekend – May 27, 28, and 29 – at historic Oaks Amusement Park was an unprecedented success.

Watch this video, and see the highlights of the 117th Multnomah County Fair:

“I can say, with confidence, that we’ve made it back to full operation, after just ‘keeping it together’ from 2020-2022 due to pandemic-related restrictions,” reported Friends of the Multnomah County Fair Board President Larry Smith, who presides over the nonprofit that’s kept the fair alive.

“The grounds are alive with families having fun; and, the Dance Pavilion is seeing more people than ever, admiring the Creative Living Exhibition submissions by community members,” Smith observed.

Small animals return to the fair, including this bunny – held by its owner, Isabella Baumhardt.

Documenting the fun that folks are having at this year’s fair, here’s Friends of the Multnomah County Fair Board President Larry Smith.

“I love feeling the true joy that is radiating through our guests during the fair,” Smith told East Portland News as the fair was concluding.

“It’s like folks were finally able to ‘cut loose’ – and this year, truly enjoy the fair. So many people told us they were fully enjoying the culturally-diverse entertainment, the exhibits, the fair food, the petting animals, and of course the Oaks Amusement Park attractions,” Smith told us.

Although young, these performers from Ballet Folklorico Corazones Alegres demonstrate their cultural dances with flair at the fair.

Before a performance of traditional cultural dances of Mongolia, these performers pause for a photo backstage.

Showing her approval of the fair is Multnomah County District #1 Commissioner Sharon Meieran – the first County Commissioner in perhaps decades to visit the county fair.

For the first time in decades, a Multnomah County elected official – District 1 Commissioner Sharon Meieran – attended the fair, and even provided the “officially opening announcement” in its first day.

During her visit, Meieran looked surprised to learn that the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners fiscally and physically abandoned their own county fair way back in the mid 1990s.

At the same time, the Commissioner appeared to be thrilled to see the lively event in full sway, all of it put on by volunteers, without any financial support – or even encouragement – from the county.

These peppy dachshunds charge toward the finish line during the “Weiner Dog Races” at this year’s fair.

Members of the Ollin Yollitzly Portland Aztec Dance Troupe put on a lively performance in which an appreciative audience packed the open air pavilion..

Commissioner Meieran: ‘Truly a multicultural fair”
“Just looking around, I see that this is full of families — people from every walk of life; every size shape, color and creed,” observed Commissioner Meieran. “It is such a joyous celebration of community; the Multnomah County Fair is truly a multicultural fair with all sorts of inclusive activities.

“When people come to an event like this, they connect; and, that leads to better understanding of each other, which is so often lacking these days,” Meieran remarked to East Portland News.

At the Memorial Day Cruise-in car show at the Multnomah County Fair, John McIntyre polishes up his ‘68 Chevelle.

In the Creative Living Exhibition, placing ribbons on deserving entries is Fiber Arts Department Superintendent Deena Carl.

Hundreds of flowers, plants, vegetables, fabric arts, photos, and foods are judged in this year’s Creative Living Exhibition.

There were more than 60 first-time Creative Living Exhibition entrants, among the hundreds of returning exhibitors who vied for ribbons this year. “This bodes well for the future of the fair,” Smith observed.

And, a total of 41 commercial vendors returned this year; some additional applicants were turned away, due to space limitations at Oaks Park. “Our vendors told us they were satisfied with the response they had from fairgoers who enjoyed their offerings,” Smith said.

Vendor Robert Peters of SilverTide Jewelry, from Canby, says his art is being well received at the fair.

While visiting the 2023 Multnomah County Fair, many families enjoy the thrilling rides (and more tame attractions) provided on the Oaks Amusement Park midway.

Amazingly, Smith revealed that this year’s fair budget was only about $60,000, with not a penny from Multnomah County — “Unlike so many other county fairs serving comparably-sized populations, all of which receive major financial support from their own county government.”

Nonetheless, 2024’s fair planning has already begun, including the hiring of a new Fair Manager. “An event of this size can’t be put together, with an emphasis on continuing quality improvement, without a full year of planning,” assured Smith.

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