Umatilla County fairgoers ready to take a ride on the Rock Star on Aug. 10, 2023, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston. The 2024 fair is Aug. 7-10, also at EOTEC.

HERMISTON — Umatilla County Fair festivities get going Saturday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m., with the annual Kick-Off Parade, which runs on a new route through downtown Hermiston.

According to the announcement from the fair, HPD expressed concerns regarding the number of officers needed to safely cover the necessary traffic zones during the parade.

Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston in a statement said with the department’s staff levels for the last three years, it was time to change the route.

The new route reduces the number of officers needed by half, which will free up other officers to cover their regular areas throughout the city and cut down on the number of officers working on overtime.

According to the map of the new route, the parade will start on West Highland Avenue near Hermiston High School, turn north onto South First Street/Highway 395, turn east on Main Street, north again on Northeast Third Street, then west onto Gladys Avenue and end at Ruty’s Restaurant, 130 W. Hermiston Ave.

The fair itself starts Wednesday, Aug. 7, and goes through Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.

The main gates to the fair open to the public at 10 a.m. and then close at 11 p.m. each day — except the last day, when the fair closes at 1 a.m.

Originally founded in 1912, this year’s theme is “A Blue Ribbon Future,” which will be evident with the barn expansion project.

The bulk of the project received funding through the efforts of the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners, the city of Hermiston, state Rep. Greg Smith, the Oregon Fairs Association and Business Oregon.

Fair admission is $12 for adults (11 and older) and free for children 10 and younger. Admission at the ticket booths is $10 for hose 60 and older and in the military. An adult pass for all four days costs $36.

Admission does not include carnival rides.

Wristbands must be purchased for the carnival, and a wristband is good for all rides on any given day.

Presale wristbands are for sale through Aug. 6 and are $30.

They are sold at the fair office, at Velasco Used Car Sales in Hermiston and online at www.umatillacountyfair.net, which also is a great source of information for all things fair.

The presale of wristbands ends at noon on Aug. 6, then the cost increases to $40 and are available only be bought inside the fairgrounds at carnival ticket booths.

In addition to the rides, carnival games abound.

Umatilla County Fair is one of the last few fairs that has been able to maintain the tradition of running a full carnival.

Some other popular events and activities include the Grand Champion Market Animal Selection, Youth Livestock Auction and Latino Night.

The Youth Livestock Auction is Saturday, Aug. 10, starting at 10 a.m.

This is an opportunity for the younger generation to engage in livestock sales and to make money for college and future projects. Animals sold include hogs, rabbits, steers and lambs.

The 2023 auction sold 288 lots for $1,343,288 up from 2022’s 267 lots for $1,154,762.89 and LEAPS above 2021’s $787,151 on 219 lots, according to the fair.

Each night of the fair concludes with a concert on the Wildhorse Resort & Casino Main Stage.

Following the fair on social media, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram is the best way to stay updated.

For more about the Umatilla County Fair, visit www.umatillacountyfair.net.