County fair fun and frolic begins July 17 in St. Helens

It’s time to see the animals, munch on delectable treats, and try a ride or two at the 2024 Columbia County Fair and Rodeo.

Fun for the whole family takes place Wednesday, July 17, through Sunday, July 21, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, located at 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

This year’s fair will feature a couple of changes, including the ability to take your alcohol around to the other attractions.

Fair board President Peggy Howell explained, “That’s a big change. It has always been that you had to go into the beer garden.” Now you can consume alcohol anywhere on the fairgrounds.

“The Oregon Liquor Control Commission likes it a lot better,” she said. “There’s less chance of overdrinking.”

Howell noted that the Elks will still have the beer garden, but no fence. People will not, however, be allowed to bring alcohol beverages when entering the fair.

The fair kicks off on Wednesday, July 17, with Senior and Veterans Day (free all day for vets and seniors with identification). On Thursday, July 18, youngsters will enjoy Kids Day and the Junior Rodeo. The Northwest Pro Rodeo Association Rodeo is July 19 and July 20. And on Sunday, it’s $5 admission all day.

Also, there will no be a carnival Sunday, due to the increasing costs that carnival organizers face.

Events at the 2024 fair will include wild cow milking, a youth livestock auction and the 2024 Open Class Horse Show.

Highlights Wednesday will include opening ceremonies at noon at the pavilion flagpole, the My Fair Lady pageant at 1 p.m. on the family stage, Joe Stoddard on the main stage at 5:30 p.m. and rodeo court interviews on the family stage at 2 p.m.

Thursdays highlights include the Native American Dancers at 12:30 p.m. on the family stage, a pie-eating contest at 2 p.m., Circus Luminescence at 2:30 p.m. and the Junior Rodeo at 6 p.m.

Friday fun features Joe Stoddard at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage and the rodeo at 6 p.m. in the rodeo arena.

Saturday features Huckle Buck Highway on the main stage at noon, Vikki Green Ventriloquist on the family stage at 3:30 p.m. The rodeo is at 6 p.m. in the rodeo arena and the Sweetwater Band performs on the main stage at 8 p.m.

The concluding day, Sunday, features Native American Dancers at 12:30 p.m. on the family stage and Joe Stoddard at 3 p.m.

The fair is open Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gate prices: Youth $7, Adults $13, seniors and veterans $7, Family pass (2 adults, two youths) $35 and $5 for everyone Sunday.

For a complete listing of all events and admission information, visit www.columbiacountyfairgrounds.com .