By Alex Paul
For The New Era
The 2025 Linn County Fair will kick off on Thursday, July 17, with free admission for seniors and active-duty military service members, according to Fair & Expo Center Director Kris Barnes.
Barnes said a military ID is required for free military admission.
General admission is $10, or $8 for seniors 60-plus. Children 12 and under get in free with a paid adult.
Barnes said the Fair & Expo Center turns into a small city for fair week, with more than 150 RVs on-site.
The fair will run through Saturday, July 19, and includes daily main stage concerts, free with paid admission. Reserved seats are also available, starting at $20.
Main stage concerts start at 8:30 p.m. and include Uncle Kracker on Thursday, July 17, Phil Vassar on Friday, July 18, and Hunter Hayes on Saturday, July 19.
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, seniors (60-plus) can play BINGO in the Willamette Building lobby, sponsored by KGAL/KSHO radio.
Seniors can also enjoy free ice cream served by Linn County commissioners at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Sponsor Pavilion.
As always, there will be all-day fun entertainment in Familyland.
At 6 p.m. on Thursday, the Calapooia Arena will roar to life with the Hell on Hooves Rodeo and at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 18, little cowboys and cowgirls will do their best to hang onto romping sheep at the Wild N’ Wooly rodeo. Both events are free with paid fair admission.
Davis Shows Carnival will be back, providing thrilling rides for all ages and the concourse area will be filled with food vendors.
Barnes reminds people that Goldfish Farm Road is closed due to a construction project, so traffic may be heavy at times. He suggested allowing plenty of time and to arrive early for evening concerts. Traditionally, he said, traffic picks up about 4 p.m. as people arrive for the concerts.
In addition to the Linn County Fair, the Linn County 4-H and FFA fair kicks off on Monday, July 14, and will culminate with the annual livestock auction on Saturday, July 19, in the Calapooia Arena. Bidder registration starts at 9 a.m., lunch will be at 11 a.m. and the sale will start at 12 noon.
The Linn County Fair & Expo Center is at 3700 Knox Butte Road East. For complete fair information, visit www.linncountyfair.com.