We’ve just started July, and the adrenalin is already pumpin’. Why? Well, First Friday is from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown in Hood River on July 6.
Then, less than three weeks later, the 2012 Hood River County Fair settles in Wednesday through Saturday, July 25-28, at 3020 Wy’east Road, south of Hood River near the community of Odell.
If you’ve never done a small county fair in Oregon, you really should get this on your calendar. It’s a slice of Americana, with carnival rides, farm exhibits, and food galore — from elephant ears to tacos and burgers.
Gates open at noon each day, carnival rides begin at 1 p.m. General admission is $6 per adult on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and $10 per adult on Saturday. Every day children aged 6-12 are admitted for $2, and children younger than 6 get in free. Season tickets are also available.
Fiddlegrass Bluegrass Band performs Wednesday evening on the Park Stage. Incredible Justin Shandor, Ultimate Elvis winner of the 2011 Elvis Impersonator contest in Las Vegas, brings “The King” to life at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday evening. Friday evening, Banda Rebelde de Pacifica takes to the main stage, and Saturday evening it is the 2012 headliner, country music star Aaron Tippin. Musical performances are free with fair admission.
Also free with admission are many other great attractions.
The “Walk on the Wild Side” exotic animal show displays a wide range of exotic animals and reptiles in a jungle atmosphere. Also on hand? The OMSI Planetarium, for every visitor to learn more aabout the night sky and celestial bodies.
Professor Bamboozle’s Road Show brings laughs and fun — and balloons — to the Park and fairgrounds each day.
Who doesn’t enjoy magic? Godfrey the Magician brings his award-winning style of comedy magic, including brand-new levitation tricks.
The “Kiddie Tractor Pull,” a real crowd pleaser, will be held near the barns Thursday, July 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The competition, using toy John Deere tractors, is divided into age groups 4 years of age and younger, 5-6 years old, and 7-8 years old.
There’s too much more to share here. So, you want to go, right?
To reach the 2012 Hood River County Fair, travel I-84 to Hood River exit 64, then south on State Highway 35 to the Odell junction. Follow the signs to the fairgrounds at 3020 Wy’east Road, at the corner of Wy’east and Summit roads.
Or drive Highway 26 to its intersection with Highway 35, then north on Highway 35 to the Odell junction.
