Science and magic are set to be big stars during this year’s Tillamook County Fair.

“There’s magic in the air with a country flair!”, the theme for the 2018 countywide extravaganza, is bringing in a fun first for visitors: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

“We were looking for things to fill that space after the last Huckleberry Health Fair last year,” Fairgrounds Manager Camy VonSeggern said, “We found OMSI… It’s science. It’s something different for kids and adults.”

The Tillamook County Fair runs Aug. 8-11, open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. each day.

“There’s always a lot of talk about the food and the carnival rides,” VonSeggern said, “The whole reason a fair exists is for people bringing in exhibits and showing off animals and what they’ve learned in agriculture.”

And for the younger community members, there has been an increased interest.

“4-H and FFA animals are exploding at the seams, so all the barns look to be full,” VonSeggern said, “There is a greater number of kids in the classes and a big diverse group of kids – it’ll be larger than the last few years.”

The Fairgrounds also highly encouraged community members to enter exhibits.

“We’re pretty optimistic numbers will be steady, if not higher for exhibitors,” VonSeggern said. “On the exhibitor side and the kids side, it’s a way to show family traditions and a way for kids to show what they’ve accomplished.”

Art for this year’s fair also had a larger local emphasis. Every year a panel decides on a theme for the fair and reveals it during the annual volunteer appreciation dinner. Once the theme is finalized, promotional material featuring art rendered to compliment the theme is commissioned.

“Unfortunately, the gentleman who had been doing the art passed away,” VonSeggern said, “He had been doing it a long time.”

His successor is Tillamook native Shayla Hayes, a 2015 Tillamook High School graduate and current University of Oregon student.

“I think she did a great job,” VonSeggern said, “She did exactly what we thought it would look like in our mind.”

Joining the exhibits and animals, the fair has a stable of other events and activities coming to the four-day event.

OMSI’s Science Festival will be held noon-6 p.m. Aug. 8-9 in the TillaSkate building. Each day, budding (and possibly even established) scientists will get to experience a new type of festival to the fair, filled with science equipment and challenges to thrill youngsters, perplex adults and offer an unforgettable science experience.

VonSeggern said OMSI will host four unique presentations over the two days.

Once OMSI moves out, the Dairy Done Right Lounge, an out-of-the-sun area for families to take a break and enjoy Tillamook snacks as well as some fun dairy exhibits, will be in the skating rink from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 10-11. Both the OMSI Science Festival and the Dairy Done Right Lounge are sponsored by the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

Over in the tennis courts, the Fair is again hosting Fair Acres, a fun and interactive learning area, sponsored by Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks, for kids and families alike. Kids can try their hand at potato farming, driving a pedal-tractor, and picking fruits and veggies, among other exhibits. Picnic tables inside the building provide a nice place for lunch or a quick break.

The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office is offering a new safety program this year. Lost Child bracelets will be provided at each entrance gate and the Sheriff’s Office highly recommends families with young children take advantage of this free program. These bracelets are made from strong plastic fabric and allow a parent or guardian to write their phone number on the inside. If a child becomes lost, the bracelet can be cut off and the family can be contacted to pick up the child. Lost children are one of the top assistance calls during Fair time.

A part of the Fair for more than 20 years, popular balloon artists Dr. Fun and Dr. Good are set to make their reappearance noon-4 p.m. every day of the Fair. They recently shared a special letter and photo with the Fairgrounds.

“Dr. Fun and Dr. Good shared a photo of three generations of people who have been coming to the Tillamook County Fair and always get a balloon animal or hat from them,” VonSeggern said.

There will also be a quilt raffle during the fair with a winner chosen on Saturday.

On the courtyard stage the fair brought back the ever-popular Brad’s World Reptiles and mesmerizing hypnotist show with Tammy Barton. “Tangled Threads,” a two-person strolling marionette show is sure to captivate guests’ attention. Award-winning circus artists Coventry and Kaluza are also set to take the stage.

To bring a variety of new entertainment, the fair has invited local performing artist Heather Phillips Travis to showcase her vocals, Cascade Rye will be returning this year as well, and join in on the fun of courtyard performances is Washboard Willy, a pied piper of rhythm, and the Beth Willis Band duo who is a high energy acoustic act that plays a wide variety of music. “The Out-Patientz” Band will be rocking the stage for everyone to enjoy.

“Attendance is steady,” VonSeggern said, “Three-to-four years ago, we had our record year then it went down a bit and then steadied. We’re fortunate our numbers are steady because a lot of other fairs’ numbers are declining. We’re very fortunate.”

The fair is also looking forward to four days of Pig-N-Ford racing, with races set to begin at 5:30 p.m. for the famous event’s 94^th year—with the World Championships Saturday. Horse Racing is also every day starting at 1 p.m.

And then there’s the grand stand entertainment.

“I think we have a great lineup,” VonSeggern said, “Nobody will be disappointed in our lineup this year.”

Beginning at 8 p.m. each night, the concerts are included with admission to the fair. Legendary country group Sawyer Brown will perform Aug. 8, Jerrod Niemann will perform Aug. 9, Blues Traveler will perform Aug. 10 and the annual Demolition Derby rounds out the fair Aug. 11.

Before the Demolition Derby and the Pig-N-Ford World Championships comes the Fair Manager’s favorite part of the whole four-day event.

“My favorite part is the Closing Ceremonies,” VonSeggern said, “I know it sounds kind of corny, but by the time we get to that point it’s a nice culmination of the entire week.”

For more information, visit the Fair’s website at www.tillamookfair.com or call the Fair office at 503-842-2272.