Early 1900s

Potatoes are a major export for Redmond, thanks to the nutrient-rich, well-draining soil in the area, leading to the establishment of the Potato Show in 1906, a precursor to the Deschutes County Fair.

1914

The population of Redmond is around 1,000 people. The population of the city today is over 30,000.

1916

Deschutes County is created on December 13. Previously, Redmond and Bend were located in Crook County.

1919

The first Deschutes County Fair opens on October 14 on fairgrounds at the corner of Highland Avenue and Canal Boulevard (where Fred Meyer currently stands). In the early years, the Deschutes County Fair took place during September or October rather than in the summer to accommodate the large population of ranchers and farmers in the region. Once harvest was done, they could come together and celebrate.

1919

Redmond hosts the first Fair Parade to celebrate the start of the Deschutes County Fair, and residents from across Central Oregon come to participate. Horse-drawn wagons are used as parade conveyances, and people of all ages ride on the homemade floats or stand along the path to watch the festivities.

1921

The first football game of the season between Redmond and Bend High Schools takes place at the Deschutes County Fair, setting up a popular event for years to come, as local high schools’ football teams face off at the fair to represent their communities and win bragging rights. Rivals Bend and Redmond will often go head to head in these games.

1922

The Deschutes County Fair Open Class exhibits feature entries from the traditional categories of fruits and vegetables, flowers, and farm animals, as well as women’s clothing, inventions, and horse racing.

1930s

The rodeo has been a staple of the activities since the beginning years of the Deschutes County Fair. A regular activity for cowboys and ranchers around the area, the rodeo quickly becomes a competition for all ages.

The Deschutes County Fair is such a popular event that many schools, banks, and businesses around town close down for a few hours up to a couple of days to allow students and staff to attend. Some years, the large mills in Central Oregon move up payday to provide workers with spending money for the fair.

1937

One of the popular new attractions at the fair, the Driving React-o-meter, allows fairgoers to put their driving skills to the test. Participants face different stimuli that may occur while driving and compete for the quickest reaction times.

1944

The first Buckaroo Breakfast takes place at Roberts Field as an incentive to sell war bonds and raise contributions for the war effort overseas. The breakfast will merge with the Deschutes County Fair (it’s uncertain exactly when) and become a tradition for many attendees.

1950

The Redmond Saddle Club hosts a horse show at the Deschutes County Fair. The added attraction is touted as double the fun for the same amount of money. This is the first time that horses are shown along with other livestock and animals as a major part of the fair.

1961

Chariot racing is introduced as a new event (though it made an appearance in prior decades). Kids and adults alike were encouraged to come and see the new sport, put on by professionals.

1978

Many contests for 4-H participants vary from the categories available today. The homemaking competitions include knitting and crocheting skills, ingredient measuring and meal preparation, as well as table setting and luncheon hosting.

1985

The famous stucco arches at the entrance to the fairgrounds are in major disrepair. There has been debate on whether to tear down the structure or spend a large sum of money to restore them to their former glory. The fair board, with much persuasion from the community, chooses to remove the stucco exterior and replace it with cedar siding, preserving the arches for many more years.

1989

The appearance of the Charlie Daniels Band and Paul Revere and the Raiders brings major national acts to the fair for the first time. The venue will host many big-name entertainers in the following years, and starting in 2003, concerts are free with gate admission.

1998

The final fair is held at the old fairgrounds on July 29–August 2. With very little parking, the fairgrounds can no longer accommodate the consistent growth in attendance. The new, larger fairgrounds (with plenty of parking) are highly anticipated.

1999

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo opens at the brand-new fairgrounds on Airport Way on July 27–August 1. The state-of-the-art facility is able to accommodate the larger crowds and can be used for events throughout the year.

2001

The Family Motor Coach Association holds a major RV rally at the fairgrounds for the first time in August. During the three-day event, more than 5,000 motor coaches descend on the 320-acre property.

2003

When the large Booth fire is ravaging nearby areas of Central Oregon, President George W. Bush stops at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, the first time a president visits the newly built facility, and addresses the major damage caused by the wildfire.

2007

The Fairgrounds RV Park opens, allowing visitors to stay at the facility year-round. The park offers all the amenities of traditional RV facilities, in walking distance to the many events that occur at the fairgrounds each year.

2019

The Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo celebrates its centennial, marking 100 Years of Fun Since Day One!