Attendance at this year’s 156th Oregon State Fair was the highest in years, organizers said.
More than 346,000 people attended the 2022 Oregon State Fair, held Aug. 26 through Sept. 5, a 63% increase from 2021 and up more than 10% from the pre-pandemic 2019 Fair, another strong year.
Fairgoers opened their wallets too. Revenues topped $12.7 million, a 52% increase over the five-year average. Food and beverage receipts grew 50% year over year, and Carnival revenue surpassed its 2021 gross by 15%.
“Oregonians were in a festive mood this summer, and our attendance and revenue numbers reflect that,” Oregon State Fair CEO Kim Grewe-Powell said.
“This was our strongest showing in the 14 years I have worked here. The entertainment industry has been hit hard, and our vendors, performers, and attractions really needed this financial rebound.”
Performers included The Beach Boys, Nelly, TLC and Scotty McCreery.
The Oregon State Fair is now planning the 2023 event, which will run Friday, Aug. 25, through Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.