‘Pigs, Pickles and Pies’: Deschutes County Fair returns for 103rd year, with traditions galore and some new additions

(Update: Adding video, comments from director, fairgoer)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- It was the 103rd Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo's opening day on Wednesday, with plenty of new attractions to see, hear, and taste.

The fair offers the typical slate of speedy carnival rides, cotton candy, funnel cakes and corn dogs, the 4-H and FFA animals with their young companions, blue-ribbon competitions from photography to fiber arts, and of course the rodeo.

A sea lion splash show is just one of the new attraction, along with a BMX big air show, and a drone light show after each night's concert.

"I'm really looking forward to just hanging out with my mom," Bend resident Jaxson Freeman said Wednesday. "Well, we already are doing that. I'm planning on doing some of the not as crazy rides, not like Fireball."

And if you're like Freeman and want to ride something a little calmer, there's the Ferris wheel, the merry-go-round and the super slide.

You can also see sheep, goats, and pigs, and play the many carnival games.

Last year, about 170,000 people attended the fair over the five days. Fairgrounds Director Geoff Hinds anticipates the same number, or even more this year. 

"Each and every annual fair has about a $40 million annual economic impact on the community," Hinds said.

There are over 200 small businesses at the fair, where you can get your fill of kettle corn and elephant ears, for example.

"Tonight, we have Old Crow Medicine Show on the main stage and we start our first of five days of championship NPR rodeo at the First Interstate Bank Center," he said. "And just so much created great entertainment throughout the grounds and throughout the rest of the week. And we hope everybody will come visit us."

For adults, tickets are $15. Kids and seniors are $10. You can experience the fair through Sunday.