Deschutes County Fair adds new attractions

Published 10:49 am Thursday, July 11, 2024

Fairgoers may come back every year for their favorite attractions, from a nostalgic cotton candy fix to a cherished roller coaster.

But every year, there are new offerings at the Deschutes County Fair.

Central Oregon’s largest annual event returns to Deschutes County with its annual fair and rodeo starting July 31 to Aug. 4. The fair is held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center with doors opening at 11 am. every day and closing at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

This year’s fair offers a variety of new exhibits, games, rides and shows in order to keep the fair fresh and exciting, according to Geoff Hinds, fair director.

“Our goal is to always have something new at the fair. It’s always a little bit different from each and every year,” Hinds said. “It’s never the same fair so that people have to come back every single year to experience it.”

Hinds said this year’s number of attractions outweighs what the fair has had in the past. Along with new things to do, familiar fair favorites are returning as well, such as Saturday’s demolition derby, a drone show happening each fair day and some other small attractions.

Pat Davis, operator of Davis Shows Northwest, said there are a few new rides this year, including two in the Kiddie Land area: Toon Cars and Puppy Roll.  Toon Cars feature a line of small colorful cars that goes around in a circle. Puppy Roll is a faster ride where you sit in a giant spinning puppy that goes around in a circle. 

Davis said the Ice Jet is returning to the fair after being sold amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Davis describes Ice Jet as “big and fast” that goes over a hump as lights and music play along the ride. 

Additionally, Davis said there will be a new ball game featured in the carnival games section. It’s similar to a mini basketball game, allowing players to score shots in a row of basket hoops. Players can win either a basketball or a stuffed animal.   

There are a few new shows this year, including Bright Heart Circus performances, iFlip and Jim Cruise performing music with spoons.

“He’s the world’s only spoon instrument performer,” Hinds said.

iFlip is a “high energy acrobatic and trampoline-based” performance, Hinds said. The show will be performed three times a day during the fair’s duration. According to Hinds, show times will vary day-to-day.

There will also be dinosaur and dragon “giant puppets” walking around the fair. According to Hinds, they’re realistic-looking and able to blow steam and make noise. They’ll be seen around the fair interacting with fairgoers.

General admission to the fair ranges from $8 to $16, depending on age and day. The 2024 Carnival Ride Wristband is priced at $32 and is valid for one day of your choosing at the fair. Tickets can be purchased online or at the fair. More information on pricing can be found on the fair’s website.

Hinds said there are no new rules or regulations for this year’s fair.

“The most exciting part is seeing it all come together and seeing what we’ve worked on for over a year is exciting and makes people have a good time when they come to visit,” Hinds said. “I always love to see the new things that we have come in because a lot of times they’re new to me as well.”