INCLUDES 9 COLORFUL PHOTOS | Discover some of the elements that made this year’s fair so enjoyable to so many families …
Minutes after the 119th Multnomah County Fair opens at Oaks Amusement Park, “Merchant’s Row” is already teeming with visitors.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The volunteers from the Friends of the Multnomah County Fair – the nonprofit that has kept the tradition going of having an annual County Fair in Multnomah County, with no help from the county itself, every year – were a little concerned about how this 2025 Fair might be received at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park, on Memorial Day weekend – May 24th through 26th.
But they needn’t have worried! The combination of beautiful 80-degree weather, and its being held on a holiday weekend, drew an estimated 15,000 visitors per day.
Members of the White Lotus Foundation Lion Dance Troupe bring lively energy to the opening of the Fair.
“One of the main attractions is always the Creative Living Exhibition – but, because of the historic Oaks Park Dance Pavilion currently being closed for extensive renovation, we had to make changes this year,” FMCF Board President Larry Smith conceded on opening day.
“However, thanks to the Oaks Park Association, the operators of The Oaks, we were able to host a ‘youth only’ Creative Living Exhibition in their Gift Shop space that they vacated for our exhibits,” Smith told East Portland News.
Visitors browse the hundreds of entries vying for blue ribbons in this year’s “youth-only” Creative Living Exhibition.
Here’s the Creative Living Exhibition’s “Best of Show” winner: Cleveland High School senior (and Valedictorian) Andrew Kobus, showing off his Blue Ribbon entry – a curry plant.
Perhaps because word got out in East Portland News well in advance of the Fair that this particular exhibition would only be for young people, there were a large number of entries.
“In fact, this year, we’ve had more youth exhibitors than at any time in the last 20 years – I’d say we received 400 individual entries!” Smith exclaimed. “And of course, we’re grateful for our Exhibition sponsors, the Portland Nursery and the Territorial Seed Company.”
One of the competitors decides to take a quick “water break” during this Lucha Libre wrestling match — as he mocks his opponent. That’s just one of the gags that makes these sports entertainers so much fun to watch.
After hundreds of visitors enjoyed the wrestling athletics – and in-ring antics – of the Portland Lucha Libre performers last year, the Fair brought back pro wrestling – this time, with two shows on opening day! And, it seemed that everyone who came enjoyed the entire “La Familia Day” on Sunday.
Local baker Joyce McNair, from Sour Dough Sister, shows off one of her most popular goodies for sale.
“As they stroll down ‘Merchant Row’, guests are visiting about 30 vendors this year,” remarked Smith.
On stage in the Outdoor Pavilion, and “playing the hits”, are these advanced students of The School of Rock.
At The Oaks’ Outdoor Pavilion, Fair visitors found a great lineup of popular entertainment, kids’ participation activities, and a wide variety entertainment and presentations, all showcasing the cultural diversity of the greater Portland area.
Hungry Fair-goers are lining up for fresh-grilled food at Juicy JV’s Wings booth.
There were plenty of snack and dining options, too, among the many food trucks – and midway treats were to be found at The Oaks’ “George’s Grill”.
“I love seeing the joy on families’ faces as they enjoy a ‘first taste’ of summer fun,” observed Smith. “It makes the work of all of our volunteers well worth the effort.”
Many visitors to the Fair take the opportunity, out on the Fairway, to experience The Oaks’ thrill rides – such as “AtmosFEAR”.
This year, it was an action-packed three days of fun at Oaks Park. So be looking for more of that at the 120th edition of the Multnomah County Fair – returning on Memorial Day weekend, 2026!
On our Front Page: Twirling up excitement, as the Fair opens, it’s Color Bug a/k/a Hannah King, of Red Shoe Productions.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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