Linn County Expo Center manager Randy Porter has a big challenge ahead of him when the 2022 fair kicks off July 14-16.
The 2021 event was a gangbuster with a record 34,330 attendance, and Porter would like to close out his 24 years with the fair on a high note. He will retire at the end of the year.
“I think we’re going to have another great fair,” he said. “Last year was amazing, and this year, with gas prices as high as they are, I think families are going to look for entertainment that’s close to home.”
Porter has enjoyed his work and the variety of people he’s worked with over nearly a quarter of a century. He has a cap from every fair, except 1998, attached to a wall of his office, and he plans to leave them for his successor.
“It’s kind of bittersweet for me,” he admitted. “I came to work here in March 1998. The work is great because it is always different. It’s been a great experience. I have loved working with people from all over Linn County and the staff has been phenomenal.”
Linn County Fair Board President Kris Latimer said she and her fellow board members “have our fingers crossed for the same sort of community support as we saw last summer.”
“Fairgoers can expect outstanding entertainment throughout the venue, whether it’s the grounds acts in Family Land that you’ve come to love or the big acts on stage,” Latimer added. “We are excited to welcome back a local favorite, Sara Evans, on Thursday (reserve seat tickets are nearly sold out); Five for Fighting, a new-to-the-community headliner on Friday; and a super crowd pleaser, Sawyer Brown, on Saturday night.”
Latimer said the 4H and open classes will ensure plenty of activities in the barns, and the Calapooia Arena will feature the perennial favorite Mutton Bustin’ on Friday night.
“On Saturday we’ll have our eyes on the prize, while we participate in the 4H Livestock Auction,” Latimer said. “The Linn County 4H Livestock Auction was off the hook last summer, and we’re hoping for the same sort of support this year.”
Latimer said the cherry on top of the fair-going sundae is all of the “great food booths, beer garden, carnival, displays and exhibits.
“We hope everyone will come spend at least one day with us – but we’d welcome you all three!” Latimer said.
– Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer