Linn County Communications Officer
ALBANY — It’s so close you can almost smell the corn dogs cooking and hear the merry sounds and see the colorful lights of the carnival thrill rides.
The 2023 Linn County Fair “Music, Food and Whole Lotta Fun” is just around the corner and will offer three nights of great entertainment including Clint Black on July 13, Smash Mouth on July 14 and Granger Smith on July 15.
There is also a full slate of daily entertainment on tap at the Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road East.
Black — who has sold more than 20 million records — will get things rolling in his traditional country style. He will bring more than three decades of hits to the Main Stage, including his first smash hit, “Killin’ Time.” He has recorded a dozen studio albums.
San Jose rock band Smash Mouth brings nearly 30 years of making music to Linn County.
The group is well known for “Walkin’ on the Sun,” 1997; “All Star,” 1999; “Then the Morning Comes,” 1999; and a cover of the Monkees’ smash hit, “I’m a Believer,” 2001.
Like Clint Black, Granger Smith is a born and bred Texan and although his career has been relatively short, he is 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 fans. His videos have topped one billion views.
The nightly entertainment is included with paid general admission. Some reserved seating is available. Learn more at 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. on July 13; The Junebugs at 7 p.m. on July 14 and Cascade Rye at 7 p.m. on 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. on July 14.
The highly successful 4-H and FFA livestock auctions returns at noon on 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 all of your fair favorites from 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; 5w rides for $25; or all-day wrist bands for $38. Order on-line 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 to get your carnival ride wrist bands.
And while the fair is underway, 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.
For more information, visit www.linncountyfair.com.
