Commissioners comment on annual celebration of 'heritage, agriculture and family-friendly atmosphere.'

What do you get when you combine food, entertainment, carnival rides, livestock and a rodeo? The Clackamas County Fair, of course.

The Clackamas County Fair runs Aug. 16-20 in Canby. Who better to talk about the fair than our own elected officials, the Clackamas County commissioners? We asked all five commissioners three questions about the fair. Here's what they had to say:

Do you plan on attending the fair this year?

Chair Tootie Smith: Yes. Not only does the BCC (Board of County Commissioners) have opening ceremonies, but we walk in the parade. I will also be with friends and visiting several booths.

Commissioner Sonya Fischer: Absolutely! Gathering for community events is appreciated now more than ever as we emerge from the pandemic.

Commissioner Paul Savas: Yes, I'm excited to attend the fair again this year and to celebrate Clackamas County's heritage, agriculture and family-friendly atmosphere. I'll be participating in the Canby Kiwanis Kiddie Parade and the opening day ceremonies on Tuesday, Aug. 16, alongside the other county commissioners.

Commissioner Martha Schrader: Unfortunately, due to personal commitments I may not be able to attend the fair, but I will be there in spirit and wish good thoughts to all the 4H kids.

Commissioner Mark Shull: Yes, we do. Oksana and I are looking forward to walking in the Clackamas County Fair/Kiddie Parade on the morning of Aug. 16. We walked in the parade last year and it was a delightful time. Oksana can really hand out the candy! After the parade we will be at the fair opening ceremony with the other county commissioners.

What it your favorite part of the fair — as far as exhibits or entertainment goes?

Chair Smith: People watching and quilt exhibits. The county fair attracts folks from all sectors and I'm impressed by the cross section of people who come out.

Commissioner Fischer: It's a real toss-up between the kids and the llamas! It's such a joy to see the children who come to enjoy the fair activities and those that work all year long to prepare for presenting their projects. And no fair is complete without seeing the fluffy llamas with their beautiful eyes!

Commissioner Savas: My favorite part of the fair is seeing all the livestock, especially the displays by the 4-H participants.

Commissioner Schrader: The livestock barn and the kids and families presenting their animals.

Commissioner Shull: My favorite part of the fair is talking with the 4H members about their animals. The 4H young people always impress me with their polished and enthusiastic descriptions of their projects. What exemplary young people they are. I also enjoy all the animals that are on display and learning how they are an important part of the rural economy and lifestyle. Oksana and I watched the rodeo last year and it was very well done with lots of cowboy and cowgirl talent. We will be at the rodeo this year too.

What is your fondest memory of the fair?

Chair Smith: As a child, my parents would take my sister and I to the county fair every year. Since we lived on a farm with animals, I was enamored with activities that were different from my normal life: like the carnival, food booths and product booths.

Commissioner Fischer: I absolutely love volunteering for the cookie booth with Grange members. Sitting and discussing the issues of the day over the best cookies ever is a joy that I deeply cherish.

Commissioner Savas: My fondest memory of the fair was when we had an ice cream social — volunteers handed out ice cream to senior citizens. It was an afternoon social and a great chance to meet people. Unfortunately, that program has changed in the past few years.

Commissioner Schrader: This was long ago, but judging the pretty baby contest.

Commissioner Shull: The fondest memory of the fair happens every year, and that is seeing all the old faces I have not seen for years. You will always run into someone you have not seen for years and years. The fair is today what it was a hundred years ago. It is a place for people from across the county to come together for some real fun and have the opportunity to run into old friends and neighbors. The Clackamas County Fair is truly a piece of old social Americana that is relived every year.

County fair

When: Aug. 16-20

Where: 694 N.E. Fourth Ave., Canby

Call: 503-266-1136

Online: clackamascountyfair.com

Other events to attend in your area

Oregon City Festival of the Arts

The event is free to the public and will include food and beverage vendors, visual and performing artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13-14 at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. More can be found at threeriversartistguild.com.

Oregon Bigfoot Festival

The event, which celebrates cryptozoology, paranormal and supernatural phenomena, will be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, at Clackamas County Fairgrounds in Canby. There will also be a panel discussion with TV reality stars Jason Hawes of "Ghost Hunters," David Schrader of "The Holzer Files," Cliff Barackman of "Finding Bigfoot" and Sarah Lemos of "Ghosts of Morgan City" as well as bounce houses, live entertainment, food carts and a beer garden.

Music in the Park

West Linn Parks and Recreation's Music in the Park returns to Tanner Creek Park. Catch various local acts 7-9 p.m. Thursday, July 28, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

"Blondie" tribute band Glass of Hearts performs July 28. Blues act Norman Sylvester Band will take the stage Aug. 4 and the series will culminate with Hit Machine Aug. 11. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors.

Movies in the Park

Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy movies under the stars. All movies are free and begin at dusk around 9 p.m. More at ncprd.com/movies.

Saturday, July 30: "Encanto" at North Clackamas Park, 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Drive, Milwaukie.

Saturday, Aug. 6: "Raya The Last Dragon" at Concord School, 3811 S.E. Concord Road, Milwaukie.

Gladstone Community Festival

This event will take place all day Aug. 5-6, with most events celebrating the spirit of the city at Max Patterson Park. Find a schedule of events at gladstonecommunityfestival.org.

Wilsonville movies

Through its Movies in the Park series, the city of Wilsonville will feature the animated movie "Soul" at dusk (around 9 p.m.) Friday, Aug. 5, in Town Center Park. Attendees can bring their own food and beverages.

Wilsonville concert

As part of the Rotary Club of Wilsonville's Summer Concert Series, Sister Mercy with Sonic Tonic Band will perform, starting with openers, at 5:30 p.m. July 28 at Town Center Park. Next, Jennifer Batten and Full Steam with Rob Rainwater take the stage the same time on Aug. 4.

Fitness in the Park

Join other citizens of the county at North Clackamas Park for Fitness in the Park classes running July 12 through Aug. 27, including tai chi, Zumba, HIIT and yoga. See the full schedule and pre-register at ncprd.com/fitness-in-the-park

Concerts in the Valley

There is a free concert series at Happy Valley Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, July 28-Aug. 25. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, conveniently close to the splash pad and play area. Food, beverage, beer and wine are available for purchase. Return Flight, a horn-driven show band, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 29. For more information visit happyvalleyor.gov.

National Night Out

Oregon City police officers are inviting citizens to an evening of family-friendly activities at National Night Out from 5:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at the End Of The Oregon Trail, 1726 Washington St., Oregon City.

Catch a play

Clackamas Repertory Theatre presents "The Sound of Music" from Aug. 6-28; performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays at the Osterman Theatre on the campus of Clackamas Community College, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City. Tickets may be purchased at clackamasrep.org or by calling 503-594-6047.

Outdoor exhibition

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, a group of artists using various media with North Clackamas Artists Guild will hold an outdoor exhibition and sale in the parking lot of the Goodwill, 13500 S.E. 172nd Ave., Clackamas.

Lake Oswego movies

The city of Lake Oswego will host the screening of the animated film "Space Jam: A New Legacy" at dusk (about 8:45 p.m.) Wednesday, July 28 at Millennium Plaza Park.

Then, at dusk on Thursday. Aug. 4, the movie "Sing 2" will be displayed at Westlake Park.

Porchfest

Milwaukie's third-annual Porchfest will enliven front yards across the city from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on July 29. The Milwaukie Arts Committee, which organizes the series, provides a list and map of performances online at milwaukieporchfest.com.

Star-gazing party

Due to cloudy skies in the forecast, Clackamas Community College rescheduled its free star-gazing party from 9-11:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, on its Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave. The Rose City Astronomers will be on hand sharing views of the night sky through their telescopes. Members of the public are invited to bring chairs, binoculars and blankets to the athletic fields near the Environmental Learning Center. If skies are cloudy that night, call Rose City Astronomers at 503-594-6044 to see if the event is canceled due to poor sky conditions.

Lake Oswego concerts

Kalimba, an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, will perform at 6:30 p.m. at Westlake park Wednesday, Aug. 3.

At 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, the Aaron Meyer Trio, led by violinist Aaron Meyer, will perform at Millennium Plaza Park.

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