SALEM, OR -- The Oregon State Fair kicks off Friday in Salem. It’s considered the state’s biggest party, "summer’s big finish," and after 2020’s cancelation and 2021’s pandemic restrictions, it’s Oregon’s first full-sized state fair in three years.

Kimberly Jacobsen says Pavilion events were canceled last year, but they’re back in full force, "We have two days’ worth of the Hell on Hooves Summer Showdown Rodeo, which is two nights of bareback riding, barrel racing, poker with buckin’ bulls. And, we also have Motor Mania, which is monster trucks doing crazy stunts."

Jacobsen says all the traditional attractions are back - carnival rides, games, livestock competitions, concerts, and lots of food. "Our food truck area is in our Homegrown Oregon area of the fair, which is beautifully landscaped. It has live music, beer and wine from Oregon and, we also have healthy foods and of course we have the traditional fair food that everyone loves - the deep fried food and the deep fried s’mores and anything else you can put in a fryer."

Headliner concerts start August 29th and advance tickets are required. Most other attractions are included with fair admission. You’ll find details and a daily schedule at OregonStateFair.org.

The fair runs through Labor Day.