It’s so close you can almost smell the corn dogs cooking and hear the sounds and see the colorful lights of the carnival thrill rides at the Linn County Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road E., Albany.
The 2023 Linn County Fair, “Music, Food and Whole Lotta Fun,” is just around the corner, packing three nights of great entertainment including Clint Black on Thursday, July 13, Smash Mouth on Friday, July 14, and Granger Smith on Saturday, July 15.
There’s also a full slate of daily entertainment. Black, who has sold more than 20 million records, will get things rolling in his traditional country style. He’s hauling more than three decades of hits to the main stage, including his first smash, “Killin’ Time.” He has recorded a dozen studio albums.
San Jose rock band Smash Mouth is well known for the summertime anthem “Walkin’ on the Sun” (1997), as well as “All Star” and “Then the Morning Comes” (both 1999); and a cover of The Monkees’ classic, “I’m a Believer,” which was featured in the 2001 animated feature, “Shrek.”
Like Black, Granger Smith is a born and bred Texan, and although his career has been relatively short, he’s on his 10th studio album.
His fans are part of what is called the “Yee Yee Nation” and he enjoys a social media following of more than 12 million. His videos have topped 1 billion views.
The nightly entertainment is included with paid general admission. Some reserved seating is available. Learn more at http://www.linncountyfair.com. General admission is $9 on-line or $10 at the gate. Seniors are $7 and $8. Children $12 and under free thanks to Boshart Trucking. Parking is $5 per day.
Nightly opening Main Stage acts will include Trevor Tagle at 7 p.m. July 13; The Junebugs at 7 p.m. July 14 and Cascade Rye at 7 p.m. July 15.
Hell on Hooves, dirt-throwing, bull- and bronc-riding action returns to the Calapooia Arena at 6 p.m. July 13 and the always popular Mutton Bustin’ will start at 6 p.m. Friday, July 14.
The highly successful 4-H and FFA livestock auctions returns at noon Saturday, July 15.
The always-popular Family Land offers all-day entertainment including juggler Jeremiah Johnson, comedian Matt Baker, Peppy’s Water Palooza, Puzzlemania, Slim & Curly and much more.
And did someone say food? Numerous vendors will line the courtyard area with fair favorites including giant corn dogs, piles of fries and sticky cotton candy.
Davis Shows will provide carnival fun and excitement from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. Single ride tickets are $6; five rides for $25; or all-day wrist bands for $38. Order online at https://www.linncountyfair.com/carnival and get general admission and an all-day wrist band for just $38 or pre-sale wrist band for $34.
Don’t forget your carnival ride wrist bands.
And while the fair is under way, the livestock and static display buildings will be filled with 4-H and FFA projects as their fair runs from Monday, July 10, to Sunday, July 16.
– Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer