Volunteers preparing for 110th Multnomah County Fair

Discover what this group, dedicated to preserving and growing the Multnomah County Fair, is doing to get ready for the annual end-of-May event …

Getting ready for this year’s event are Friends of Multnomah County Fair Photographic Superintendent Kim Walters; Board President Larry Smith; and 4-H Program Assistant, with Oregon State University Extension, Courtney Lobo.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Although the Fair isn’t until the last weekend in May, the volunteer board members of the Friends of the Multnomah County Fair are busily getting ready for the three-day Memorial Day weekend celebration.

Long-time Friends of Multnomah County Fair Board President Rick Paul is now managing the Harney County Fair in Burns, so long-time board member, supporter, and award-winning back-yard gardener Larry Smith has taken on the leadership duties this season.

“It ‘sneaks up’ on people, because we’re the only springtime county fair around,” Smith commented, while meeting with other Fair supporters at their host location – historic Oaks Amusement Park – on April 20.

“Where the Road Ends, Fair Fun Begins” is the theme of 110^th annual Fair, Smith revealed.

Thanks to an increasing number of 4-H entries, there will be more livestock to see at this year’s Fair. East Portland News archive photo

“New, this year, will be camel rides!” Smith smiled. “And, even though the Fair takes place in the spring, we’ll definitely have a lot of roses, spring flowers, and vegetables on display for judging. And we always have a good selection of crafts, arts, and cooking here.”

It’s easy to enter competitions in art, crafts, floral, foods, needlecraft, and photography categories; cash prizes will be awarded for the exhibits judged best, Smith said. Special competition categories are available for youths (age 18 and under), senior citizens, and the physically challenged.

Smith added that he’d just reviewed the list of commercial exhibitors and food purveyors, and sees a “really good variety” of vendors this year. “We’ll have quite a bit of ‘fair food’, reasonably priced, compared to other fairs.”

At last year’s Fair, 4-H member Katie Church entered her chicken. East Portland News archive photo

Again this year, 4-H youths will be major participants.

“This year, 4-H entries here will be eligible for entry into the Oregon State Fair,” said 4-H Program Assistant with Oregon State University Extension Courtney Lobo. “So, small animals, as well as static [non-animal projects] exhibits, will qualify to go to the State Fair competition.”

Here, planning for the 2016 Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park, are 4-H program assistant with Oregon State University Extension Courtney Lobo; Photographic Superintendent Kim Walters; and Friends of Multnomah County Fair Board President Larry Smith.

The nonprofit Multnomah County Fair takes place May 28-30 at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park. For more information, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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