On Thursday, July 11, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square will transform into a fun, festive, party-in-the-square complete with buskers, robotics, farm animals, games and of course fair food. The event is to kick off the 154th Oregon State Fair in Salem, which runs August 23 - Sept. 2, daily.
“The Flash Fair was such a fun event last year, we decided to bring it back to Portland’s living room. Visitors and neighbors of the Square can come and experience the flavor of the Fair — literally!” said Dan Cox, Oregon State Fair spokesperson. “We’ll have farm animals, fair food and the pie eating contest with some of Oregon’s favorite faces. Folks will also have the opportunity to buy tickets online at a discount for a limited amount of time.”
The Flash Fair begins at 11:00 a.m. with the pie-eating contest kicking off at high noon. During the Fair, visitors can see:
- FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition
- Farm animals from North Clackamas Future Farmers of America
- Strolling musician Joe Stoddard
- The Beat Goes On Marching Band
- Beer sampling by Breakside Brewery
- Free popcorn and cotton candy
- Caesar the No Drama Llama
- Hi Striker
Pie Eating Contest Re-match
Willamette Valley Pie Company will provide 100 mini-pies for celebrity contestants to donate to a non-profit of their choosing. Emcee Nicole DeCosta from Portland’s CW will bring her signature energy and positive attitude as she kicks off the increasingly competitive contest. Last year, Jimmy Chonga from 106.7 The Eagle took top honors. This year, a new competitor is in the mix. Jake Byron from 98.7 The Bull, will join Jimmy Chonga, KOIN’s Jenny Hansson, KGW’s Cassidy Quinn, KATU’s Wesleigh Ogle for a rematch.
About the Oregon State Fair
The Oregon State Fair, established in 1861, first began in Oregon City, Oregon during the time of the U.S. Civil War. Since 1862, the Fair has called the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem home, hosting thousands of visitors from near and far with premier concerts, art, culture, rides, agricultural exhibits, and livestock. For more information, visit oregonstatefair.org.