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What you need to know about the 2024 Lane County Fair

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What you need to know about the 2024 Lane County Fair

The Lane County Fair returns this week to Eugene.

A cherished family tradition held annually at the Lane Events Center and fairgrounds, the event lasts four days and features a diverse array of attractions, from carnival rides and live music performances to cotton candy and corn dogs.

The fair acts as a showcase for local talent and agricultural heritage, with exhibits displaying things like home-grown produce and hand-crafted goods. Livestock competitions and educational displays feature local members of programs like 4-H and the Future Farmers of America.

Special events, such as talent shows, magic acts, and cultural performances, are scheduled throughout the week.

Here’s all you need to know about tickets, food, entertainment, rides, family activities, and more:

When is the Lane County Fair?

When: Wednesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Lane Events Center, main entrance at 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street. A map of the fairgrounds can be found at atthefair.com/fair-map.

Getting there: Parking at the Fair is $5 per car, cash only. Access to public parking is available via the main entrance at 13th and Jefferson streets. Visitors can also use Eugene’s bike share system, PeaceHealth Rides at www.PeaceHealthRides.com, Lane Transit District buses (Downtown LTD Eugene station serves the Fairgrounds via routes 33, 36, 41 and 43); or taxi and rideshare services (drop off location at the Orange D gate that can be accessed via the 13th and Jefferson streets entrance).

Tickets: General admission tickets for adults are $10; $7 for seniors 65 and older; and $6 for children. There are also deals and group packages for tickets at www.atthefair.com/tickets-and-deals.

Carnival rides for the family

Single tickets for carnival rides will be available on-site, and visitors can buy packages priced at $60 for 120 tickets and $115 for 250 tickets. Each carnival attraction averages 12-13 tickets per ride.

Height requirements for rides are as follows:

  • Kiddie rides: minimum height requirement ranges between 32-42 inches.
  • Major and Spectacular rides: minimum height requirement ranges between 36-56 inches.

Fair attractions, new and old

Here are some family-friendly attractions available for fairgoers this year:

  • 406 FMX Freestyle Motorcross will bring top riders from X-Games and the Nitro Circus to perform a freestyle motocross show. The show is daily Wednesday through Saturday at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Sunday, the show is at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
  • All-Alaskan Racing Pigs: The pig racing track is one of the most well-known attractions of the Lane County Fair. It features a team of pigs trained to run and jump over obstacles. The racing show is Wednesday through Saturday at 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
  • Dino Encounters: According to the Fair website, the exhibit includes two large fossil digs with replicas crafted from genuine fossils spanning 400 million years. The exhibit also features skeleton puzzles, bone-matching games and a prehistoric mini-golf course catering to diverse educational interests and ages.
  • When You Wish Princesses: Fairgoers will have the opportunity to meet their favorite princess characters through enchanting performances at the Family Fun Stage. Princesses can be spotted riding the carousel with guests, roaming the fairgrounds or sharing their vocal talents on stage. Shows will be hosted Wednesday through Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, the shows are at 1 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Heather Pearl’s passion for the circus, clowning and humor have taken her around the Northwest to tiny places and large theaters. Her show will be featured at the Family Fun Stage Wednesday through Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; and on Sunday at 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Professor Smart is a trained juggler and a comedian who brings science to life with storytelling and fun demonstrations. Their show will be featured at the Family Fun Stage Wednesday through Saturday at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, the show will take place at noon, 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Barn animals and petting zoos can be found at the Creative Exhibits Hall Wednesday through Sunday. The schedule can be found at www.atthefair.com.

Fair food

Fair food classics, including fried pastries, Hawaiin shaved ice, corn dogs, cotton candy, Philly cheesesteaks, kettle corn, ice cream and more will be stationed around the fairgrounds.

Lane County Fair mainstage lineup

Here’s who’s performing at the 2024 Lane County Fair. The majority of concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday, July 24: Clay Walker
  • Thursday, July 25: Queensrÿche
  • Friday, July 26: Shaggy
  • Saturday, July 27: I Love The 90’s, featuring Tone Loc, Color Me Badd, Sugarhill Gang and Treach of Naughty by Nature.
  • Sunday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m.: Red: A Taylor Swift Tribute Band

Concert ticket prices vary depending on the concert and admission level. More information about concert ticket prices can be found at www.atthefair.com/concerts.

New safety and security at the Fair

This year, the fair is implementing a clear bag policy and adding metal detectors to each of its admission gates.

According to the Fair website, Fair staff “will be working with multiple law enforcement agencies and security personnel” to provide an added level of safety for Fair attendees.

Attendees may bring one of the following approved clear bags into the Fair:

  • One clear, plastic bag that does not exceed the dimensions of 12 inches in width and height, and six inches in diameter.
  • One-gallon clear plastic bag.
  • One personal item such as a small clutch, purse or wallet.

Prohibited bags include backpacks, large purses, large fanny packs, briefcases, non-clear cinched bags, oversized tote bags, colored plastic bags, luggage of any kind, binocular cases, camera bags, large mesh bags and computer bags.

Exceptions to the clear bag policy will be made for all medically necessary items and diaper bags with proper inspection.

Increased safety measures were implemented after one person was sent to the hospital after being shot in the parking lot outside the fair in 2023.

In 2021, two teenagers were arrested and charged following a shooting at the fairgrounds that left a bystander injured.

Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.

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