Less Famous Livestock
Not every cow, pig or goat can be a star but they can still win prizes and endear themselves to their owners and to fairgoers. In fact, polls from 1985 and 2000 revealed that livestock continued to rate as the number one reason why people attended the State Fair. Here are some of the animal characters that have passed through the gates of the State Fair over the years.
A boy poses next to a sow and piglets at a State Fair pen in 1964. (Oregon State Archives, State Fair Photos)
A girl writes on a notepad in a pen at the State Fair as a calf looks on. (Oregon State Archives, State Fair Photos)
A boy hugs a goat at the 2000 State Fair. (Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center)
A girl and her State Fair grand champion llama show off their award and ribbon. (Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center)
A girl grooms a sheep while a television news reporter talks to the camera at the State Fair. (Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center)
Fairgoers admire a grand champion boar in 1912. Size was the primary criterion for judging animals in the early years of the State Fair. (Oregon State Archives, Oregon Fair Expo Center Photos)
Men stand next to cattle at the 1950 State Fair. (Oregon State Archives)
Competitors dressed in coordinated costumes with their llamas parade in front of spectators at the State Fair. (Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center)