All Gorge Events

HOOD RIVER COUNTY FAIR

July 28-31, 2010
Hood River County Fairgrounds
Odell, OR  

541/354-2865
www.hoodriverfair.com

The 2010 Hood River County Fair takes place Wednesday through Saturday, July 28-31, at 3020 Wy'east Road, south of Hood River near the community of Odell. Gates open at noon each day, carnival rides begin at 1:00 p.m. General admission is $6 per adult Wednesday-Friday, $10 per adult on Saturday, $2 for children aged 6-12 , and children younger than 6, free. Wednesday is Family Day, admission is only $15 per car.Wednesday is also a special “Salute to the Troops.” Cowboy Poet Duane Nelson, and Bob Connolly and Foothill Diesel perform Thursday evening on the Park Stage, Grupo Super Escandalo will be there on Friday evening. On Saturday evening, headliner Terri Clark Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist nominee) takes to the main stage. Musical performances are free with fair admission. The fair offers entertainment, activities, food, and fun for all in a scenic location (see below).

The Hood River County Fair returns to the fairgrounds near the community of Odell Wednesday through Saturday, July 28-31. A fun and old-fashioned county fair, attendees will find outstanding entertainment, food, displays and activities to please every taste—all at great prices.

The fair features all manner of open class, 4-H, FFA, and commercial exhibits. There's something for everyone! There'll be carnival rides and midway fun, special entertainment every evening--including Canadian country western star Terri Clark--great activities, and all kinds of delicious food.

Regular general admission prices to the fair are only $6 per adult Wednesday-Friday, $10 on Saturday. Admission for children aged 6-12 is $2, and children under 6 admitted free.

Wednesday, July 28, is Family Day, a fantastic bargain. Admission is no more than $15 per car, regardless of the number of occupants. Invite family and friends to visit the fair on Wednesday evening at this reduced admission price, and take part in a special “Salute to the Troops.” A delicious dinner is available for $10 (free to Oregon National Guard soldiers and other active duty military personnel), and all proceeds go to the Gorge Heroes Club, which supports local troops. There will also be a color guard, patriotic music, displays of military vehicles, and National Guard personnel available to answer questions and discuss their pending deployment to Iraq.

On-stage entertainment begins Thursday evening, with Cowboy Poet Duane Nelson, followed by Bob Connolly and Foothills Deisel, performing a great selection of country, rock, and pop tunes. Thursday is also the “Salute to Farmers and Orchardists.” An ice cream social for the farmers of the Hood River Valley in the park area Thursday evening.

Friday at 8:00 p.m., enjoy the music of Grupo Super Escandalo, multi-talented musicians known for lively, energetic, and toe-tapping performances, playing on the Park Stage.

Fair headliner Terri Clark takes to the main stage at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31. She’s a Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist nominee and a member of the Grand Old Opry, and is well-known for bringing her own brand of “smolder” to turbo-traditional country music. The exciting Terri Clark concert, and all of the other fine 2010 musical performances, are free with paid admission to the fair.

Also free with admission are other great attractions.

New this year is “OMSI at the Hood River County Fair,” located in the gym. Kids will love the hands-on opportunities to explore science, and to see thought-provoking demonstrations. It’s fun…and educational.

Who doesn’t enjoy magic—and a good laugh? Award-winning “Godfrey the Magician” will perform his unique brand of comedy magic Wednesday through Saturday in the park. He brings new levitation tricks this year, and is back by popular demand!

Also back this year is the very popular “Exotic Animal Show” at noon every day during the fair. Located near the Floral Building, the show will introduce attendees to everything from beautiful felines to unique jungle dwellers, to fascinating reptiles and insects.

It’s the second year for the “Kiddie Tractor Pull,” a real crowd pleaser! The competition will be held in the park area Thursday, July 29, from 2-4 p.m., and Saturday, July 31, from 1-4 p.m. The competition, using toy John Deere tractors, is divided into age groups 4 years of age and younger, 5-6 years old, and 7-8 years old. Each participating “driver” gets a ribbon…and there will be a Grand Prize Winner in each group each day.

A county fair wouldn't be a county fair without carnival rides, and every day is "Bracelet Day" on Cascade Amusements carnival rides. Save money on rides by purchasing a $17 ride bracelet ticket for just $12 in advance of the fair's opening. They're available at the fair office, Mid Valley Market, and Clem’s Market in Odell, at McIsaac’s in Parkdale, at Juanita’s Market in both The Dalles and Hood River, and at E.T.C. and Columbia State Bank in Hood River, and must be purchased by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 28. Each bracelet ticket purchased may be used on any one day of the fair, and is good for rides all day long. Carnival rides begin at 1:00 p.m. each day, and continue until 11:30 p.m. or 12:30 a.m. depending on the day. The fair gates open at noon each day.

Like flowers? Visit the Floral Building. Master gardeners will have displays, and offer educational material. Fragrant and creative floral exhibits are also housed there.

Friday evening, the annual 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. at the animal barns. Saturday morning, at 9:30 a.m., it’s the 23rd annual Open Gaming Horse Show.

To reach the 2010 Hood River County Fair, travel I-84 to Hood River exit 64, then south on State Highway 35 to the Odell junction. Follow the signs to the fairgrounds at 3020 Wy'east Road, at the corner of Wy'east and Summit roads. Or drive Highway 26 to its intersection with Highway 35, then north on Highway 35 to the Odell junction. For additional information about the exciting Hood River County Fair, call the fair office at 541/354-2865, or check the website at hoodriverfair.com. #####

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