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Harney County Fair, Rodeo & Race Meet 2012

Don Slone, Fair Manager
69660 S. Egan Street
PO Box 391
Burns, OR 97720
Phone: 541-573-6166
FAX: 541-573-7484
Email: don.slone@centurytel.net
Harney County Fair

The Harney County Fair dates back to 1924 when the first such event was held.  Each year the County Fair is held the week after Labor Day.  This is a full blown event with the County Fair, NPRA Rodeo, ParaMutual Horse Racing, and amusement rides.  Residents gather from all around Harney County for the week to show their 4H animals and participate in innumerable events at this big event.  Many schools even take the week off as their students participate in the 4H judged events. For more Harney County Fair History visit our Fair History page.

We will have updated information posted here soon regarding our 2012 Harney County Fair. In the meantime, take a look at all that took place during our 2011 event.~

2011 FAIR MANAGER’S MESSAGE

“We Know How To Work, and We Know How To Play, We’re From The Country, and We Like It That Way!”

Those twenty one words describe the people of Harney County very well, and they were chosen as the 2011 Harney County Fair theme. This theme incorporates our country roots, hard work, and fun times, three ingredients for a successful existence here in Harney County.

September 24-25, 2011 celebrates the 200th Birthday of the first true American Fair. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) led the development of a fantastic marketing campaign to increase public awareness about the impact of fairs and to strengthen our industry brand. The campaign was titled “200 Years, 200 Reasons”. The campaign represented the first ever national, collaborative fair industry marketing effort.

Unfortunately as IAFE began to roll out the campaign, they discovered a roadblock: the York Interstate Fair, which was a trade fair, not an agricultural County Fair. The York Interstate Fair trademarked two terms; “America’s Oldest Fair”, and “America’s First Fair”. They threatened legal action if the IAFE used the “200 Years 200 Reasons” birthday slogan…..But, for here in Harney County we are going to celebrate the “200th Anniversary” of the County Fair!

What do you suppose the food was like at the first County Fair? I am sure it was barbeque beef, corn on the cob, potato salad, and lots of sugary treats. Well the Fair food today is a much broader line-up of choices and showcases some new, unique and unusual food items such as fried ice cream, fried snicker bars, or chocolate covered bacon. I am sure that our food stands this year will have some surprises for you!

The Talent Lineup on the US Bank stage for the 87th Harney County Fair will surely spark your interest. An all new cast of entertainers will be here this year except for “The Blond Curly Haired Magician”, or Jeff Martin, who will be making his 3rd appearance in Burns. Joining Jeff will be three first time performers here in Burns. Leading off will be the country band “Pete Ford and Texas Hold-Em”, a variety act by “Marcus The Funny Man Who Does Tricks”, and the outstanding comedy hypnosis act of “Kerry Sharp”. Please do not forget to attend the 14th Harney County Fair Talent Show on September 8. Also appearing on stage will be the Hi-Desert Fiddlers and the Johnson Brothers. An Open Stage time period on September 7 will allow many local acts to perform for the hometown folks.

You can bet all of your other favorite events will be happening throughout the week! 4H and FFA Livestock Shows, Open Class Exhibits, Food Concession Stands, Vendors, Horse Racing, Carnival Rides, Ranch Rodeo, Saturday Parade, and the NPRA Rodeo. The Friday Night Ranch Rodeo has become a very popular local event that fills the grandstands to see local contestants compete in barrel racing, wild cow milking, and ranch style saddlebronc riding. Twenty-two horse races will be run on the track with pari-mutuel wagering to select the winning bets.

You can have a blast at the Harney County Fair, Rodeo, and Racemeet! Why it is not only has a lot of entertaining events, it is the social event of the whole year! You better save up all of your stories and gossip to pass on to your friends this September 6-11! Oh yea, invite your friends and family to come along with ya!

Grand Marshall: Ken Bentz, About Ken Bentz

Fair Court: Update coming soon.

View the Harney County Fairgrounds Locator Map and the Map of the Harney County Fairgrounds.

2011 Fair Gate Admission Fees

PERSON

SEASON PASS

DAILY PASS

AGE

ADULT
$25
$8

16 to 60 Years

YOUTH

$20

$6

6-15 Years

PRE-SCHOOL
Free
Free

0-5 Years

SENIORS
$20
$6
Over 60

Season Pass

Daily Pass

Veterans

With this schedule, those people buying season passes are basically getting one day at the Fair for free.

The “Official Host Hotels” of the Harney County Fair-

Best WesternRory & Ryan

 

Fair Entertainers

Schedule of Events & Details:

Entertainment Director: Don Slone
Harney County Fair Poster
Carnival: Paradise Amusements
Food Concessions: Don Slone – # Concession Spaces: 15
Commercial Exhibits: Don Slone – # Exhibit Spaces: 26 # RV Spaces (12 month): 32
Rodeo Sanctioned By: NPRA, ICA
Stock Contractor: B bar D Rodeo Co.

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