Few county fairs in the West have been going as long as the Columbia County Fair in Dayton, which has been held for more than 135 years. Livestock and agriculture have always been mainstays of this small-town fair, but the live entertainment, food and vendor booths give it a modern appeal.
The fair kicks off on Friday, Sept. 11, and runs through Sept. 13 with the theme “From Wagon Wheels to Ferris Wheels.” It will include livestock exhibits and 4H projects plus the Jackpot Rodeo, a demolition derby, and a Fruit Muffin Madness baking contest in addition to food and commercial vendors. And there’ll be daily entertainment and a carnival.
The Jackpot Rodeo is on Friday, beginning with mutton-bustin’ at 5 p.m. On Saturday evening, enjoy the demolition derby, also starting at 5. The Beer Garden is open starting at noon on both days.
There’s a livestock sale on Sunday morning, followed by stick-horse races and the Farmer Olympics in the arena.
Single-day admission is $13 for adults and teens ages 13 and over, and $8 for senior citizens and kids ages 7-12. Children 6 and under are admitted free. You can save by buying three-day all-event passes.
For information and updates, visit the Columbia County Fair Facebook page.