Columbia County Fair begins, rodeo coming this weekend

The fun at the Columbia County Fairgrounds officially started today, with the Columbia County Fair kicking off its festivities that will run through the weekend.

The fair offers a host of activities, including carnival rides, 4-H livestock shows and auctions, food, drink, and, of course, the rodeo. The fair itself has kicked into gear and the rodeo will be July 19 and 20 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

Fair goers should be prepared to have their bag checked at the front, a measure that is being instituted to "ensure compliance" with the fair's new alcohol regulations and to enhance the safety and security of the event.

The fair is now offering "walk-around alcohol," which means that fair goers can buy drinks at the fair's beer gardens and walk around the fairgrounds with their beverage of choice.

Daily tickets for the fair at the gate are:

• Youth $7

• Adults $13

• Seniors/Vets $7

Online, there is a slight discount, and the prices are reduced by $1 for each of those categories. For those interested in going to the fair on multiple days, there are season passes available for:

• Youth $25

• Adults $50

• Seniors/Vets $25

For those interested in partaking in the thrill rides at the carnival, the price for “ride bracelets” is $40 at the gate and $30 online. Parking will not be free for the fair, and people should expect to pay $5 to park at the fairgrounds.

There are also promotions that allow for free entrance on Wednesday the 17th and Thursday the 18th. Veterans and seniors get free admission all day on July 17 with proof of I.D., and July 18 is “Kids Day,” and youth 17 and under can get in free that day. On the final day of the fair, July 21, admission will be $5 for all.

The Hwy 30 Cruisers will have their cars on display on Senior Day Wednesday, and on Kids Day this year, organizers are hiding farm animals for the kids to find, like the rubber ducks, to add a scavenger hunt-esque activity to the fun. The junior rodeo will also be on July 18, and starts at 6 p.m.

The hours for each day are:

• Wednesday, July 17: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Thursday, July 18: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday, July 19: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• Saturday, July 20: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• Sunday, July 21: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Friday, carnival rides open at 1:00 p.m., and on Saturday, rides open at noon. Just a few of the live entertainment acts on the docket are Ventriloquist Vikki, Matt Henry, Circus Luminescence, and music from River Divide, Joe Stoddard, and the Sweetwater Band.