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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Fair Office Phone: 503-585-9998 Fair Office Fax: 503-373-4460

Address: PO Box 14500 Salem, OR 97309

Website: mcfair.net

1. How many people attend the Marion County Fair?
Approximately 27,000 people attend the Marion County Fair annually.

2. What does it cost to get into the fair? How late is the fair open?
On the categories on the left of this web page, see "Prices and Hours". There you will find the various prices depending on age of the attendee and the hours of operation.

3. How do I show my stuff (jam, art, photo, a model, etc.) at the fair? A person can present their projects for showing as an exhibit at the fair through the Open Classes. On the categories on the left of this web page, see "Exhibitor Information." That will lead you to a page that lists the registration process and schedule for receiving exhibits in Open Classes. Click on "Exhibit Departments" to identify the appropriate department, class, and lot to register your project. You can pre-register by registering on-line or sending in a hard copy registration form. Or, you can bring your project to on-site registration two days prior to fair. The registration schedule is listed on the "Exhibitor Information" page.

4. What does "Open Class" mean? Open classes are the various classes in which the public can enter their project to be exhibited at the fair. These classes are open to anyone; in this category an individual does not have to be involved in an organization such as a club, 4H, or a school-run program to participate in the fair. As an individual a person can register in open classes to show their project(s).

5. How do I enter the Talent Show? The Marion County Fair subcontracts out the coordination of the talent shows to local radio stations. On the categories on the left of this web page, click on Talent Show to access information regarding contacting the stations for participating in the talent shows.

6. Are there senior discounts for getting into the fair? What age is considered a senior?
On "Senior Day" Thursday, the opening day of fair, a senior can gain entrance to the fair for free. All other days of the fair seniors enter for only $5. Marion County Fair considers seniors to be age 62 and older.

7. Does the Marion Country Fair hire temporary workers to work the carnival and food booths like the State Fair?
No, the county fair does not hire temporary workers in these capacities. The carnival contractor independently hires temporary workers, advertising through the media, and arranging for placement.The food booth owners arrange for workers prior to the fair beginning; they do not seek temporary help through the county fair.

8. Are wheelchairs and strollers available for rent at the fair?
Approximately 4-6 wheelchairs are available to check out from the fair. They are located at the Americraft Building (formerly Jackman Long) entrance near the Red Gate. There is no charge to check-out a wheelchair; it does however require a valid driver's license as deposit for use of the chair. There are no motorized wheelchairs available. No strollers are available.

9. Do handicapped "special needs" attendees get into the fair for free?
If in a wheelchair, a special needs person pays general admission prices to enter the fair; however should they have an escort assisting them with their wheelchair, the escort gets in free.

10. Do military individuals get into the fair free?
There are no special discounts for military personnel at this time.

11. What fair discounts are available?
There are discounts Thursday for seniors on "Senior Day." There are discounts teens on Friday, "Teen Day." Other discounts are offered to kids wearing Awesome 3000 t-shirts, and exhibitors participating in the cheesecake contest. On Sunday fair admission is free after 4 PM. To see the various discounts, click on "Discount Days" on the categories on the left of this web page to see the particulars.

12. Are there any carnival discounts?
On the categories on the left of this web page, click on "Carnival Information." This page gives the various discounts the carnival contractor is providing including their hours of operation.

13. How do I purchase a discounted carnival wristband?
Wristbands are sold in the fair office prior to fair starting. They are available a couple of weeks ahead of fair through the Wednesday before fair begins. You can also click on "Carnival Information" for more details.

14. How would I find the schedule for a specific event?
On the channels on the left of the web page, click on "Events" this will take you to a page that gives a detailed daily schedule under "Fair Program & Schedule of Events."

15. Where is the Lost & Found?
The Lost & Found is in the fair office which is located in the Log Cabin at the Green Gate.

16. How do I get information about the Talent Show?
The Marion County Fair contracts out the talent show. The coordinator is responsible for taking all applications for participants. On the channels on the left of the web page, click on "Talent Show" to go to the page with show information including who is sponsoring or conducting the show for the current year.

17. Can I be an entertainer at the fair?
Fair entertainment is lined up in the spring. Entertainment coordinators are looking for both Big Name National Acts and local talent; the latter specifically targeting those willing to perform for free or for a minimal fee. For entertainment contact information, in the spring email marioncountyfair@co.marion.or.us.

18. Where can I get volunteer information?
On the categories on the left of this web page, click on "Volunteer." This will take you to a page that has the types of volunteer jobs available along with the application and waiver forms.

19. Can dogs be brought onto the fairgrounds?
The only dogs allowed on the fairgrounds are those who are pre-registered to participate in events such as the Flyball Tournament, the 4H Dog Obedience classes, or the participants in the Dachshund Races. Offically sanctioned service dogs are also allowed on the grounds.

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