Dayton Hosts Old-Fashioned Small-Town Fair

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 130 years. Livestock and agriculture have been always been mainstays of this small-town fair, but the live entertainment, food and vendor booths have a modern appeal.

The fair kicks off on Friday, Sept. 8, and runs through Sept. 10, with the theme “Fair Dreams in a Small Town.” It will include the usual livestock exhibits and 4H projects, plus an open horse show, a rodeo, demolition derby, and an inaugural Farmer Olympics event in addition to food and commercial vendors.

Each morning begins with breakfast, which is free with your gate admission. There’s a livestock show Friday morning, followed by the day’s entertainment and carnival-style games.
On Saturday, the gates open at 7 a.m. You can lunch on barbecue and enjoy the livestock sale. Children will enjoy activities in the KidzZone and Old McDonald’s Farm.

The fair is open from 9 to 5 on Sunday, and again the day begins with a free breakfast, plus the open horse show in the arena, church in the Chicken Chapel, and the demolition derby at noon.

For complete information, visit the historicdayton.com website.