The Jefferson County Fair coming up July 24

The Jefferson County Fair is just a week away, and promises to bring classic fair activities, along with musical performances every night and the annual rodeo on Friday and Saturday night.

The 2024 fair theme is "County Fair with a High Desert Flair," honoring Jefferson County’s ranching legacy and the many musical acts hitting the stage during the fair.

Music begins on Wednesday evening with Grits ‘n Gravy playing at 8 p.m. The Andrew Matthews Band plays Thursday at 8 p.m., followed by Eagle Eyes, an Eagles tribute band, Friday at 9 p.m., and local group Countryfied Saturday night at 9 p.m.

The carnival promises to bring classic fair rides and games, and the fairway will feature balloon artists, magicians, and kids’ activities, with Antonio Sombrero the balloon artist. Shows from Bright Heart Circus are scheduled each day at 2 p.m. in the pavilion.

Entries to the fair will begin being accepted on Monday, with all entries except flowers being entered from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Entry forms can be found in the Fair Book, available at the fairgrounds and the Madras Pioneer office.

The fair officially opens Wednesday morning with the veterans breakfast, a free pancake breakfast for all veterans, active-duty military, and their dependents at the pavilion. Breakfast will be offered from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The 4-H Tri Tip cook-off will be Friday beginning at 11 a.m., with tri-tip cooking throughout the day.

Carnival rides open at 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carnival pre-purchase passes are available at Erickson’s Thriftway until July 21.

Tours of the historic Ferrell homestead and pioneer schoolhouse are offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Antique cars will offer rides to and from the homestead house if you meet between the 4-H café and the arena.