Smoke and wildfires won’t delay county fairs’ opening day

Central Oregon (KTVZ) -- Smoke from multiple Central Oregon wildfires is raising new questions about how county fair operations may unfold this summer, with the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo set to open Wednesday, the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo starting July 29, and the Crook County Fair beginning August 5.

KTVZ News can confirm, despite the smoke or air quality from wildfires, Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook County fairs will move ahead as scheduled and organizers aren't anticipating any cancellations.

Fire activity in the region has already prompted evacuations and emergency response actions, while officials say smoke impacts can linger overnight and into the early morning hours.

The Akawa Butte, Brewer, Box Springs, Hay Creek Complex, Rowe Creek Complex, Coyote, Henry, Pilot, and Crooked fires are part of the broader wildfire picture crews are monitoring across the region. Fire officials reported Monday that the Akawa Butte Fire in southern Jefferson County prompted Deschutes County to set up evacuation zones along the northern county line. Officials have also warned that wildfire smoke can affect travel and outdoor conditions even when flames are not directly threatening a venue.

For fairgoers, the biggest question is whether smoke and fire response will affect visibility, traffic, operations or the overall experience at the fairs. Jefferson County’s fair begins first, so attendees there may get the earliest sense of whether conditions remain manageable or whether organizers need to adjust plans. Deschutes County’s fair comes later, giving officials more time to watch how fire behavior and smoke evolve across Central Oregon.

At the Crook County Fairgrounds, Manager Casey Daly said staff will monitor air quality daily and make adjustments if needed as fair time gets closer.

“We’ll monitor the air quality on a daily basis, and then we’ll make adjustments to that as we get closer to fair,” Daly said. “Obviously, with the air quality, there are some health issues for some of the seniors and some folks that have respiratory things going on. And so they’re advised to limit the amount of time that they’re in smoke, and so we’re going to just follow those guidelines.”

In Jefferson County, Event Complex Manager Bart Platt said the fair has added protections for smoky conditions.

“We have secured some additional air scrubbers that we will have, filtering the smoky air and dust particles out of the core arena, where we historically have all of our rodeo action each night throughout the fair,” Platt said. “We also have filtered air throughout open class exhibit buildings. So those are always safe havens for people. We will have air masks available at the front counter for anybody who has any respiratory concerns or would like one available.”

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center Director Jeff Curtis said fairgoers should monitor conditions and use the indoor spaces available on the property.

“When fairgoers come here, we just advise them to, first of all, monitor conditions and especially if they have underlying health conditions, to take that into account and pick their time when they go to the fair and take their own precautions,” Curtis said. “But we have a very fortunate property with a lot of indoor facilities, so those guests can take breaks from being outdoors. They’re not outdoors all day.”

KTVZ News also spoke with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office, which says the best way to enjoy these fairs is to stay aware of your surroundings, check the weather, keep an eye on fire updates in the region, and plan accordingly.

Fair details

Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo

• When: Wednesday through Saturday (July 22 through July 25).
• Where: Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras.
• Time: Fair week runs throughout the day and evening.
• Other info: Rodeos, livestock, concerts and local food are part of the event.

Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo

• When: July 29 through August 2.
• Where: Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond.
• Time: Fair week runs throughout the day and evening.
• Other info: A major Central Oregon summer event.

Crook County Fair

• When: August, 5-8.
• Where: Prineville.
• Time: Free admission and parking; event schedule varies by day.
• Other info: The fair follows soon after the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo.