Fair opens Thursday, Aug. 3; Final prep underway
A fairgrounds crew member cuts the grass of the food court. In 2022 the food court was remodeled and expanded with more green space for guests and better electrical and water connections for vendors. July 31, 2023 (Image: Brian Gailey)
A volunteer organized and hangs photography. Part of the 4-H & FFA non-animal exhibits. Those exhibits can be located in the Blue Building near the main gate. July 31, 2023 (Image: Brian Gailey)
IF YOU GO
What:
Klamath County Fair
When:
August 3-6, 2023
Where:
Klamath County Fairgrounds
3531 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls
Klamath County Fair runs August 3-6, 2023
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - It takes a small village to put on the Klamath County Fair, it does not just come together at the last minute - preparations have been underway since last year’s fair. The Klamath County Fair Board and Fairgrounds Management & Staff have been diligently working behind the scenes for nearly a year to get ready for the biggest four-day party in the Klamath Basin.
The biggest transformation has come in the last few days, as the grounds have entered into fair mode. Tents, vendors, flags, banners, pendants, and booths are all popping up - and animal pens have all started to take shape.
“Things are looking really good and we have been very busy this time of year,” said, DJ Rowley, Director of the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
Entertainment
Outlaw Mariachi performs at the 2022 Klamath County Fair. (Image: Anonda Rae)
There will be no shortage of stage options this year. In addition to the headlining entertainment inside the Event Center with Warren Zeiders, 38 Special, and Clay Walker. A large variety of talent will grace three stages throughout the fairgrounds. Fan favorites Outlaw Mariachi and American Mile return; as well as local star Dana Wirth. They will be accompanied by the sounds of Racyne Parker, the Severin Sisters, and Tony Lundervold.
“We have a good lineup. We had Outlaw Mariachi last year and everyone loved them, so we brought them back. We also brought back American Mile as well,” added Rowley. “We have a great kid zone with some great entertainment there. We also have music in the Shade Bar this year as well.”
Additional talent includes the contemporary vaudeville of Circus Luminescence and the comedy of Matt Baker.
On the BasinBeat.com Lawn Stage, a variety of family-centered entertainment will not only entertain but educate children of all ages. The silly antics of Kiddle Karoo and a circus-style Family Variety Show. Also daily at 3:00 PM a refreshing heap of sudsy bubbles will take over the lawn with Foam Explosion. A great way to beat the August heat.
New for 2023 is human foosball. Daily tournaments will be held as well as special games and free play. This will allow all have a chance to test their skills at human foosball. “A new event this year is human foosball,” said Rowley. “We partnered with Klamath County Developmental Disability Services where you can sign up with a six-person team. We are hoping this is pretty fun for everyone to try out.”
On Saturday afternoon the Destruction Derby with a $10,000 payout returns to the outdoor arena.
Only official tickets purchased through the fairgrounds partner etix will be accepted. Any tickets purchased outside of this method are likely unofficial and will not be accepted. SHOP HERE FOR OFFICIAL TICKETS.
Fair officials encourage purchasing your tickets early to avoid long lines.
4-H & FFA
A young man shows his steer. (Image: Anonda Rae)
The fair is far more than just a party. The entire event is centered around the amazing youth of 4-H & FFA and their exhibits. Technically, the fair started back on July 12 with Horse Fair and then followed by Dog Fair on July 23.
On July 26 non-animal static exhibits were entered and judged.
Beginning on Wednesday, August 2, animal exhibits will start to arrive on the grounds. Quickly the barnyard sounds from beef, sheep, goats, hogs, and small animals will fill the air. Youth will bathe, groom, and weigh their animals. While finding time to decorate stalls.
Thursday morning before the fair opens to the general public, youth with their critters of all shapes and sizes will begin the process to see who will be awarded Grand Champion.
Fair Food
Stock photo
No fair would be complete without the fried and tasty goodness that comes with the unique flair of fair food. For 2023, over thirty food vendors will be serving up their entrees, drinks, and treats. Local favorites as well as traveling vendors will all be in attendance.
“I just like the food,” exclaimed Rowley with a chuckle. “This year we have a lot of food and drinks. We’ve got I believe thirty-six total food and drink vendors this year. There will be just a huge variety to choose from.”
Carnival
A little lady enjoys an evening ride on the carousel. (Image: Anonda Rae)
Wold Amusements out of Hanford, Calif., will be returning again this year to provide an epic carnival. According to Jason Wold, owner of Wold Amusements, they will be bringing in over 20 fan-favorite rides, plus several midway-style games, and two food carts. In recent years, Wold has invested in newer equipment, new LED lighting technologies, and a better overall experience.
“I am excited about the carnival, Wold Amusements is back and I think we are going to have a bigger carnival than he has ever brought to us before,” stated Rowley.
Wold provided a list of the following rides that are expected to be in attendance: Tornado, Magic Dragon, Americana Wheel, Starship, Scooter, Loop-o-plane, EKG, Ripcord, Zipper, Crystal Lil, Dark Ride, New York, Pirates Cove, Swinger, Wrecking Ball, Combo Cars, Speed Boat, Sky Fighter, Ski-Doo, and Apples.
Safety
Fair officials have been working with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and their private security firm on ways to enhance security and safety at the fair. New this year, mandatory bag checks will be happening by security at all entrances to the fair, and only sealed, clear, unopened, containers will be allowed inside the gates.
On July 21, 2023, Klamath County Sheriff Chris Kaber issued a statement regarding security at the fair:
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has been working with Fairground’s staff to identify ways to ensure a safe fair environment this year - and in years to come.
Beginning this year, gate checks will be conducted by a private security company to help prevent outside alcohol and illegal substances from entering fairgrounds' property. We hope this reduces alcohol-related conflicts during the concert and events.
In addition to gate security, the Sheriff’s Office will be staffing extra foot patrols at peak times and Klamath County Search and Rescue and the Community Emergency Response Team will be available as well.
Please respect the decision of Fairgrounds Management and do not attempt to bring alcohol, illegal substances, or illegally carried weapons into the fairgrounds during the Klamath County Fair.We’ll see you at the fair! No really....we’ll be there too.
Weather
The extended weather forecast from the National Weather Service, Medford Ore. office indicates that hot and smoky conditions will persist through Sunday. Expect sunny conditions with light and variable winds. High temperatures will be in the low- to mid-90s. There is a slight chance of showers and/or thunderstorm activity from Thursday night into Friday night.
“I am just excited for the community to come out and have a good time, said Rowley.”
