How Oregon County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows Work
For most Oregon 4-H and FFA exhibitors, the county fair is where a market animal is shown, judged and, if it qualifies, sold. A regional listing for the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway on hellscanyonbyway.com describes the typical Northeast Oregon fair: farm and ranch animals, 4-H and FFA competitions, food and commercial booths, parades, and often a rodeo. The state fair in Salem sits at the end of the season. Every county writes its own fair book, so treat this guide as a map and your county book as the rulebook.
When the Fairs Run
Northeast Oregon fairs cluster from late July through early September. The byway listing, which does not state its year and should be treated only as a pattern, shows:
- Malheur County Fair, Ontario: July 31 to August 4
- Union County Fair, La Grande: August 1 to 4
- Wallowa County Fair, Enterprise: August 4 to 11
- Baker County Fair, Baker City: August 6 to 10
- Umatilla County Fair, Hermiston: August 7 to 11
- Grant County Fair and Rodeo, John Day: August 15 to 18
- Morrow County Fair and Rodeo, Heppner: August 15 to 19
For a verified current date, use the 2026 Union County fair book as an example: the fair opened Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with the junior market auction on Saturday, August 1, per its fair book. The 2026 Oregon State Fair ran August 28 to September 7 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Salem, per KPTV. Dates move each year, so confirm with your fair office. The byway page points to the Oregon Fair Association website for locations and activities of all county fairs.
Who Can Show
Fairs build on 4-H and FFA rules, and counties add their own. The Union County book requires members to be enrolled in a 4-H project by February 1 and uses divisions of Cloverbud (5-8), Junior (9-11), Intermediate (12-14) and Senior (15-19), with age figured as of September 1 of the previous year. Umatilla County's 4-H division, per its combined fair book, restricts exhibiting to members enrolled in Umatilla County by January 31, and says Cloverbuds may not take part in livestock, horse, dog or shooting sports. Auction sellers at Union must be enrolled in the county's 4-H or FFA program and pre-register by July 1.
Ownership, Care Time and Tagging
Union County's book requires market sheep, goats and swine to be owned and cared for 60 days before the show, and market steers 120 days. Umatilla County's book says exhibitors must own all animals no later than June 1 unless a guide lists another date. Jefferson County's 2026 FFA and 4-H market animal auction rules set tagging days: steers on February 7, sheep, swine and goats on May 13, and rabbits, chickens and turkeys on June 16. Animals there must carry an official ear tag and be owned by the member and in their possession. Sheep and goats need a scrapie tag at tagging.
Weights and Classes
Weight ranges are set fair by fair, so never assume yours matches another county:
- Union County 2026: hogs 230 to 310 pounds, goats 70 to 130, lambs 100 to 170, steers 1,050 to 1,700 (the book flags a 1,000 pound figure elsewhere, so ask).
- Jefferson County 2026 show ring: steers 1,150 to 1,500 pounds and under 20 months, lambs 110 to 155, swine 230 to 290, goats 80 to 120.
- Union County takes a 3 percent shrink off arrival weight for the official sale weight; Jefferson allows 2 percent shrink on the minimum weight with none on the maximum.
- Union requires a market health form and a COOL form at weigh-in, plus an E-slip brand inspection slip for steers; Jefferson requires an E-slip and transportation slip for steers.
Health, Drugs and Quality Assurance
Union County requires YQCA training to show, and Jefferson County requires a signed Quality Assurance Form at weigh-in before animals cross the scales. At Jefferson, only the authorized show veterinarian may treat auction animals, fitting products must be washed off by Friday at 10 p.m., and artificial coloring or filling under the skin is fraud that bars the owner from future shows. The Oregon State Fair 4-H handbook, per the combined fair book, requires members showing 4-H animals at state fair to bring a YQCA certificate to check-in.
How the Sale Works
Many county fairs run a junior market auction. Two 2026 examples show the shape:
- Union County: only blue and red ribbon winners may sell, exhibitors must have shown in showmanship and have market pictures, sellers sell their own animal in the ring, a 4 percent commission is withheld, and checks go out no sooner than four weeks after the show.
- Jefferson County: one market animal per exhibitor sells (a pen of three rabbits or chickens counts as one), commission cannot exceed 5 percent, and the sale is terminal, meaning all animals go to slaughter.
- Animals sold at the Union auction cannot be shown again in future market classes, including State Fair.
The State Fair works differently: the 4-H handbook says market hogs, steers, goats, lambs, rabbits and chickens go home with the exhibitor, and no arrangements are made for slaughter or sale. Animals must have been in the member's project since June 1, and market lambs must weigh at least 100 pounds and goats at least 60.
A Practical Calendar
- Winter: enroll in 4-H by your county's deadline, which is as early as late January.
- Spring: buy your animal and attend tagging or ownership verification.
- Early summer: finish YQCA or your county's quality assurance form, and submit entries and auction pre-registration (Union: July 1).
- Fair week: weigh-in, health paperwork, showmanship, judging and sale.
- Late summer: if you qualify, check state fair rules and the June 1 project requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Oregon fairs use the same rules?
No. Union, Jefferson and Umatilla counties differ on enrollment dates, weights, commission and quality assurance.
Is YQCA required?
Union County and the Oregon State Fair require it per their books; Jefferson County uses a Quality Assurance Form. Check yours.
Can I sell at the State Fair?
The 4-H handbook says there is no market sale for hogs, steers, goats, lambs, rabbits or chickens at state fair.
Who answers questions?
Your county Extension 4-H office. The Union County book lists 541-963-1010 for its Extension office.
Oregon Listings Covered by This Guide
- Medford Pear Blossom Festival Street Fair
Spring street fair in Medford tied to the Pear Blossom celebration of Rogue Valley orchards. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-04-10 to 2027-04-11, and organizers may adjust them.
Medford, OR Official event details - Marion County Fair
Annual county fair in Salem for Marion County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-08 to 2027-07-11, and organizers may adjust them.
Salem, OR Official event details - Jackson County Fair
Annual county fair in Central Point for Jackson County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-13 to 2027-07-18, and organizers may adjust them.
- Linn County Fair
Annual county fair in Albany for Linn County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-15 to 2027-07-17, and organizers may adjust them.
Albany, OR Official event details - Lane County Fair
Annual county fair in Eugene for Lane County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-21 to 2027-07-25, and organizers may adjust them.
- Washington County Fair
Annual county fair in Hillsboro for Washington County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-23 to 2027-08-01, and organizers may adjust them.
- Union County Fair
Annual county fair in La Grande for Union County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-27 to 2027-07-31, and organizers may adjust them.
- Malheur County Fair and Rodeo
Annual county fair in Ontario for Malheur County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-27 to 2027-07-31, and organizers may adjust them.
- Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo
Annual county fair in McMinnville for Yamhill County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-28 to 2027-07-31, and organizers may adjust them.
McMinnville, OR Official event details - Curry County Fair
Held each year; the next fair is expected around July 29, 2027 in Gold Beach, with 4-H shows, exhibits and a junior livestock auction at the Event Center on the Beach.
- Wallowa County Fair
Annual county fair in Enterprise for Wallowa County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-07-30 to 2027-08-07, and organizers may adjust them.
Enterprise, OR Official event details - Polk County Fair
Annual county fair in Dallas for Polk County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-04 to 2027-08-07, and organizers may adjust them.
Dallas, OR Official event details - Douglas County Fair
Roseburg's four-day fair is scheduled for August 11-14, 2027, with livestock, commercial vendors, food and a carnival midway; entertainment is included with gate admission.
- Umatilla County Fair
Annual county fair in Hermiston for Umatilla County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-11 to 2027-08-14, and organizers may adjust them.
- Tillamook County 4-H and FFA County Fair
Four-day 4-H and FFA fair with dairy conformation, rabbit and cavy shows, poultry, showmanship and the JLAC auction. Next dates are August 11 to 14, 2027.
- Wasco County Fair and Rodeo
Annual county fair in Tygh Valley for Wasco County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-12 to 2027-08-15, and organizers may adjust them.
Tygh Valley, OR Official event details - Cove Cherry Fair
Cherry fair in Cove, a small fruit-growing town in the Grande Ronde valley. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-14, and organizers may adjust them.
Cove, OR Official event details - Morrow County Fair
Annual county fair in Heppner for Morrow County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-18 to 2027-08-21, and organizers may adjust them.
Heppner, OR Official event details - Sherman County Fair
Annual county fair in Moro for Sherman County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-08-18 to 2027-08-21, and organizers may adjust them.
Moro, OR Official event details - Lake County Fair and Round-up
Annual county fair in Lakeview for Lake County residents, with exhibits, livestock and community entertainment. Held each year; the most recent dates posted were 2027-09-01 to 2027-09-05, and organizers may adjust them.
Lakeview, OR Official event details - Lincoln County Fair
Free-admission fair at Lincoln County Commons in Newport with goat, livestock and small animal shows and master showmanship. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 2 to 4, 2026.
Newport, OR | 541-574-6534 | Organizer: Lincoln County 4-H Official event details - Clackamas County 4-H Horse Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-12, 2026. A week of 4-H horse classes held ahead of the August county fair, run by Clackamas County 4-H volunteers and OSU Extension.
Canby, OR | Organizer: Clackamas County 4-H Official event details - Crook/Jefferson 4-H Horse Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 9-11, 2026. 4-H riders from Crook and Jefferson counties compete in showmanship, trail, speed events and precision riding.
1280 Main Street, Prineville, OR 97754 | Organizer: Crook County 4-H Official event details - Marion County 4-H and FFA Fair
Four-day livestock fair at the Salem state fairgrounds, with exhibit hall judging earlier in the week and ticketed Thursday to Sunday admission. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 9 to 12, 2026.
Salem, OR | 503-373-3767 | Organizer: Marion County 4-H Official event details - Clackamas County 4-H Dog Fair
Held each year; the most recent date was July 11, 2026. One-day 4-H dog show where Clackamas County youth show obedience and handling skills before the main county fair in August.
Canby, OR | Organizer: Clackamas County 4-H Official event details - Linn County 4-H Fair
Six-day youth fair with animal science and static exhibits, FFA classes, Cloverbud classes and a junior market animal auction. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 13 to 18, 2026.
Albany, OR | Organizer: Linn County 4-H Official event details - Washington County 4-H Fair
Washington County 4-H fair program at Westside Commons, with HEARTH judging, dog fair, fashion revue, sheep and goat olympics and master showmanship. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 17 to August 3, 2026.
Hillsboro, OR | 503-648-1416 | Organizer: Washington County 4-H Official event details - Coos County Fair and Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 21-25, 2026. Run by the Coos County Fair Board since 1912, this five-day agricultural fair in Myrtle Point includes a rodeo, with parking at $5 per day.
770 4th Street, Myrtle Point, OR 97458 | 541-396-2200 | Organizer: Coos County Fair Board Official event details - Columbia County Fair and Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 15-18, 2026. St. Helens hosts four days of fair exhibits and a pro rodeo, with gates open from 10 a.m. on all days.
58892 Saulser Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 Official event details - Wallowa County 4-H Pre-Fair Contest Days
Two days of 4-H presentations, cooking, table setting, favorite foods, sewing skills and fashion revue contests held ahead of the fair. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 28 and 29, 2026.
Enterprise, OR | Organizer: Wallowa County 4-H Official event details - Benton County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 29 to August 1, 2026, themed Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights. 4-H exhibitors show beef, sheep, swine and meat goats, with a judging contest, marketing contest and herdsmanship competition.
- Clatsop County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 22-25, 2026. Running since 1905, the Astoria fair features 4-H and FFA livestock exhibits, a carnival, talent show, car show, daily live music and a Friday evening concert.
92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR 97103 Official event details - Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 29 to August 2, 2026. Redmond's five-day fair and rodeo includes 4-H and FFA livestock programs at the fair and expo center's livestock complex.
- Hood River County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 22-25, 2026. Youth show cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, poultry and cavies in 4-H and FFA showmanship and conformation classes.
3020 Wyeast Road, Hood River, OR 97031 | 541-354-2865 Official event details - Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 22-25, 2026. Madras fair since 1931 with livestock and 4-H/FFA exhibits, vendors, live entertainment and rodeo events such as bull riding and barrel racing.
430 SW Fairgrounds Rd, Madras, OR 97741 | 541-325-5050 | Organizer: Jefferson County Fair Board Official event details - Josephine County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 29 to August 2, 2026. Started in 1914, the five-day Grants Pass fair has agriculture and livestock exhibits, with free gate admission and parking.
1451 Fairgrounds Road, Grants Pass, OR 97527 | 541-476-3215 Official event details - Josephine County Fair Roughstock Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent night was July 29, 2026 at 7 pm. A roughstock rodeo held during the Josephine County Fair at the Grants Pass fairgrounds.
1451 Fairgrounds Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97527 Official event details - Klamath County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were July 30 to August 2, 2026. A four-day agricultural and livestock fair established in 1902, drawing more than 40,000 visitors, with 4-H and FFA exhibitors.
3531 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603 | 541-883-3796 Official event details - Wallowa County Fair Junior Rodeo
Youth rodeo that opens the Wallowa County Fair, with events starting at 9 AM on both days. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 31 and August 1, 2026.
668 NW 1st Street, Enterprise, OR 97828 | 541-426-4097 | Organizer: Wallowa County Fair Board Official event details - Baker County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were August 3-7, 2026. The 108th Baker County Fair, founded in 1917, is a five-day agricultural and livestock fair at the Baker City fairgrounds with free gate admission and free parking.
2600 East St, Baker City, OR 97814 | 541-523-7881 Official event details
Plus 9 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Oregon directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.