Oregon Secretary of State

Exploring the Oregon State Fair

A colorful card advertises the 1969 Oregon State Fair in Salem.
A colorful card advertises the 1969 Oregon State Fair in Salem. (Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center)

About the Exhibit

A girl being pulled by a dog and a boy carrying corn
Enlarge image
A girl being pulled by a dog and a boy carrying corn check out a directions sign at the 1950 Oregon State Fair in Salem. (Oregon State Archives, Oregon Fair Exposition Center)
This exhibit uses photos, artwork, audio files and video links to showcase scenes from the wacky, weird and wonderful world of the Oregon State Fair over the decades. No institution reveals the spirit and character of Oregon better than this annual celebration.
 
Exhibit Introduction—learn about the history of the fair
Livestock Exhibits—get to know the animals at the fair 
Dear Mr. Spitzbart—meet the man who helped so many kids
Contests—see the many ways Oregonians compete at the fair
Fabulous Food—discover the rich tradition of fair dining
Horse Racing—spend some time at the track with the ponies
Entertainment—experience a range of performances at the fair
Weird and Wonderful—find things you never imagined
Rides and Games​—take a wild ride and walk down the midway
Credits—read about who created this exhibit

Navigation

Choose from the menu above or use the Next > link at the bottom of each page to move through the exhibit in sequence.