Plans set for 112th Multnomah County Fair

Here’s a fun and free family event on Memorial Day weekend! Come to the Multnomah County Fair, once again held in East Portland …

4-H livestock will be judged and on display, at this year’s Multnomah County Fair.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Even though it was abandoned long ago by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, volunteers keep this festive family-friendly tradition going, and the 112th edition of the Multnomah County Fair will again take place at historic Oaks Amusement Park on the east bank of the Willamette River, on Memorial Day Weekend.

“Our springtime county fair will again present the talents, skills, and crafts that make these events so much fun,” promised Friends of Multnomah County Fair President Larry Smith.

Before their April planning meeting, a ride in the new Oaks Amusement Park Adrenaline Peak roller coaster was on the agenda for “Friends of Multnomah County Fair” Board Members. In the front row are President Larry Smith, VP Francis Cop, and Treasurer Lore Cop, with Fair Manager Cheryl Jones and Fair Logistics Assistant Steve Higgs in the back row.

“Our theme this year is ‘Honoring Those Who Serve’, as we pay tribute to past and present members of the armed forces abroad, and emergency first responders here in Portland,” Smith told East Portland News.

Families who attend this free fair can take in talent shows, exhibits of animals and crafts, live entertainment, and attractions, he said.

New at the fair this year, Smith announced, will be an attraction called “Butterfly Encounter” – a walk-through butterfly exhibit in which visitors can feed the butterflies, take pictures, or just enjoy being immersed in and surrounded by clouds of butterflies.

Expect to see members of 4-H clubs from around the region, showing off their rabbits, cavies, chickens, and goats, in the Small Animal Barn during the fair. Kids can learn with hands-on experiences in the “4-H Maker’s Space”, and there will be an opportunity to meet the Metro Teen Ambassadors.

Good old fashioned fun, like taking a pony ride, awaits fairgoers.

The Multnomah County Fair is where crafters can win awards and cash for showing off their art, crafts, floral arrangements, food and baking, photography, and needlecraft. For Exhibiting information, see their dedicated webpage: https://multcofair.org/exhibits/.

“There will also be an increased community service presence at the fair this year, with community and nonprofit organization exhibiting,” informed Smith.

On his first day at the job, new Oaks Amusement Park CEO Brandon Roben and his staff join with representatives of the Friends of Multnomah County Fair for a coordination meeting in their boardroom.

And, it wouldn’t be a county fair without a carnival midway; “I’m sure many brave people will want to try out the new Adrenaline Peak roller coaster here at Oaks Amusement Park,” Smith added, having tried it himself already.

The Multnomah County Fair will be open Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 28, the last day of the fair, it from 11:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. The gate admission and parking is free!

When visiting the Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park, thrill rides – like the new Adrenaline Peak roller coaster – await the adventurous.

The Multnomah County Fair is located at historic, non-profit Oaks Amusement Park, located at 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, 97202. For more information, see the fair’s website: CLICK HERE.

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