Day 3 of the county fair is filled with salty food and great times. In its 105th year: An expected tradition, including its big financial impact
Tracee Tuesday
(Update: Adding video from day three at Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo)
REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The Deschutes County Fair in Redmond is celebrating 105 years.
The fair, which is governed by Deschutes County, is who benefits from the profits of the fair.
According to Geoff Hinds, director of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, the annual fair’s economic impact is over $50 million each year.
But how is that profit utilized?
Hinds said the profits are invested back into the facility.
“Now over 25 years old and requires continued investment. Not only in buildings, but also in operating equipment like air conditioners, heaters, light switches, electrical operation, toilets, sewers. But also things as simple as the grass. Just like you have to take care of your grass at home. We have to take care of over 100 acres of grass. So, we have to generate a significant amount of income in order to expend it back on those. And then the other thing we’re able to do is provide some funding to non-profits, either through fee reduction or, for use of the facility or, sometimes we can find causes that are important where we can provide donations to, and we’re, we’re excited to do that this year. If it were to do with Folds of Honor and Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink: Bucking Cancer Together programs.”
The fair is also an opportunity to highlight local businesses.
Patrick Gordon, the owner of Hazard the World, said, “That really means a lot to us to have people come back, say hi, get to visit with them, and they come in and get more stuff from us, which we just are so humbled by, and people just are really supportive of our brand here in the Deschutes County. So, it means a lot to us to be here,” said
Each year, thousands come out to enjoy the festivities of the fair, but as Redmond City Councilman John Nielsen points out, it also poses challenges.
Councilman Nielsen told KTVZ News:
“As the fair has grown in popularity, our transportation infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Redmond is actively investing in eastside roadway improvements to meet rising demand, but large-scale events like the fair highlight a critical gap: South Highway 97 is overburdened, and Redmond needs a southern interchange beyond Yew Avenue to support both major events and everyday travel.”
From many, many months of planning the fair, the ultimate reward is the fairgoers.
Bend resident Liesl McLendon said, “We live in Bend. This is our first time ever to the fair, because of Brothers Osborne. So the concert actually brought us out here.”
Liesl’s husband, Daniel, added: “We’re really excited to be here. That’s amazing. It’s going to be fun. We’re looking forward to all the things that the fair has to offer.”
The Deschutes County Fair is open for five days, through Sunday.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the dates and times:
Wednesday, July 30: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday, July 31: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday, August 1: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 2: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 3: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM