Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo: Parade to Party!

By Patti Jo BrooksThe Mountain Times

Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo 2025 invite you to come out and “Stirrup Some Fun!” Experience the electrifying energy of the Fair and Rodeo in full swing, August 12-16. Fairgrounds are open to the public between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day with the price of admission. 

Visit livestock exhibits and agricultural displays where farmers and youth proudly showcase the results of their hard work over the course of the last year. Peruse hobby displays and art exhibits and treat yourself to festival food, fun-filled carnival rides, the excitement of rodeo and foot-stomping live entertainment from some of your favorite local musicians.

“The Clackamas County Fair isn’t just an event — it’s part of our identity. For over a century, it’s brought families together, celebrated our agricultural roots, and reminded us why community matters. We’ve packed this year’s fair with more entertainment, more food, and more ways to ‘Stirrup Some Fun’ with your family. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time in years, we’ve got something to make you smile,” says Brian Crow, Executive Director, Clackamas County Event Center.

We love a parade! So pick a spot, settle in, and enjoy the Canby Kiwanis Kiddie Capers Parade, a fun and festive Canby Kiwanis tradition since 1948. Kicking off the Clackamas County Fair, the Kiddie Capers Parade begins at Knight School at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 12 and ends at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. Kids from all over the county will lead the way to open the 2025 Fair to “Stirrup Some Fun!” riding, walking, pulling or pushing bikes, wagons and more.

Carnival rides by Rainier Amusement, a family-owned business for over 60 years, open at 1 p.m. and run until 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m. Get your Unlimited Ride Bracelet for unlimited fun! Purchase the discounted Unlimited Ride Bracelet online today through the fair website: clackamascountyfair.com. Enjoy festival favorites from vendors such as Hotshots BBQ, La Familia Mexican, Marsalee’s Thai Food, Simon’s Lebanese Food, Pronto Pup, Bobablastic and Character Cotton Candy.

Next, stroll over to the Main Pavilion and check out the vendors inside, then head upstairs for the creative exhibits of the Hobby Hall, Photography, Quilts and Textiles. If it’s the Art Gallery you’re looking for, make your way to Clackamas Hall where you’ll find a multitude of compositions in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, drawing, and sculpture.

Take in the thrill and excitement of Canby Rodeo! PRCA sanctioned, Canby Rodeo holds a Top 40 standing out of 800 rodeos nationwide. Starting each night at 7:30 p.m. in the Canby Rodeo Arena, you’ll witness world-class rodeo competition pitting human skill against animal instinct. As the rodeo is winding up, onstage entertainment begins on the main lawn at the center of the fairgrounds.

Each night at 9 p.m., the Main Stage presents crowd-pleasing entertainment: Aug 12, Jessie Leigh graces the stage with her unique style of country-rock, influenced by her local Estacada roots; Aug 13, Olivia Harms is back in her hometown of Canby with her band The Roadrunners; Aug 14, Jacquie Roar brings her powerhouse vocals, which placed her a Top 5 Finalist on The Voice; Aug 15, Precious Byrd from Central Oregon presents award-winning dance party music; and Aug 16, Jeff Miller and the Congregation perform country music that fuses rich harmonies with a bluesy, soulful vibe to close out the fair and celebrate with a big rodeo party!

Presented by Clarios, “Building Batteries in Canby for over 50 years,” the 2025 Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo features daily themes with special discounts or free admission to select groups. August 12 is Family Day: kids 12 and under get in FREE with participation in the Kiddie Caper Parade. August 13 – Senior Citizen Day: reduced entry fees for seniors age 65-74 and FREE admission for those 75 and up. August 14, First Responder Day: police, fire and paramedics are admitted FREE with corresponding ID. General public FREE until 3 p.m. August 15, Military Appreciation Day: Veterans and Armed Service members in uniform or showing service ID are admitted FREE. August 16, Agriculture Day: fair closes with the Junior Livestock Auction and features the Canby Rodeo Court tryouts.

For the latest information and schedules, download the free Clackamas County Fair app on the App Store and Google Play.

The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is located at 694 N.E. 4th Ave. in Canby. For more information, ticket and carnival bracelet sales visit clackamascountyfair.com.