West Linn prepares for return of the Old Time Fair July 12-14

Summer is officially here, which means the West Linn Old Time Fair is right around the corner.

The fair, a tradition spanning nearly seven decades which takes place at Willamette Park, is a hallmark of West Linn’s summer. Last year an estimated 15,000 people attended the fair, according to the West Linn Parks and Recreation department, which puts on the event.

The 68th annual fair kicks off Friday evening, July 12, and will run through July 14.

Though the carnival rides and games are a big draw for many attendees, particularly kids, the Old Time Fair is much more than a classic carnival.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy the ambassador court coronation ceremony, the classic old time baseball game, a horseshoe tournament, the Historic Willamette waiter’s race, the Old Time Fair parade — with a theme this year of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” and the West Linn Food Pantry serving as grand marshal — bingo games, the Mutt & Pet show and a pie-eating contest. Other favorite fair elements include the We Gotta Regatta race featuring boats made of recyclable plastics, performances by the Portland Water Ski Spectacular, PJs to Pancakes run, musical performances, a lumberjack show and the classic car and boat show.

For West Linn recreation coordinator Alissa Caceres, the most important parts of the fair will be the ice cream and Lions Burgers from the West Linn Lions Club.

Caceres mentioned there will be a few new food vendors this year, as well as the return of pies made and served by the Willamette United Methodist Church.

“A lot of people were very sad they weren’t there last year, so we’re definitely excited to have them back,” Caceres said.

The fair officially opens at 6 p.m. Friday and closes at 10:30 p.m. The fair will open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, though some events like the pancake breakfast, waiter’s race, parade and the PJs to Pancakes run will take place before 11 a.m. The fair will close at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night and 6 p.m. Sunday night.

Find the complete Old Time Fair schedule at westlinnoregon.gov/oldtimefair/fair-schedule-0.