The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

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...