Today is the last day to catch the 2026 Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras. The four-day fair runs through Saturday, July 25, wrapping up a week that tested the community resilience and found it intact.
The fair opened Tuesday amid smoke from the Brewer Fire to the east and the Akawa Butte Fire to the southwest, but families, 4-H youth, FFA members, and fair fans showed up in force. The smell of carnival food mixed with the sights and sounds of kids leading pigs, lambs, and cows through the grounds for judging.
A New Attraction Steps In
This year the fair had an unexpected twist: the traditional carnival vendor pulled out weeks before the event due to staffing shortages. Bend-based 541 Bounce stepped up to fill the gap, offering bouncy houses, inflatable attractions, kid-friendly paintball, and more.
Fair Board Chair Dan Comingore said he braced for backlash and got the opposite.
When we lost the carnival, I was fully anticipating a lot of negative feedback to be quite honest. But it was quite the opposite, and I think that just shows that is a testimony to our community.
Antelope resident Skye Forman, whose kids show animals in 4-H each year, said the change actually grew on her family. After several days at the fair, she said it felt calmer and easier to manage with kids. It turned into a refreshing experience, she said.
Sheriff Trading Cards
One of the more talked-about new features this year: the Jefferson County Sheriff Office ran a booth distributing limited-edition 2026 trading cards. There are 23 unique cards to collect, including rare level-up cards spotlighting the agency various divisions and specialties. Deputies noted that booth hours were sometimes limited as personnel responded to wildfire calls.
Jefferson County Shows Up
Families drove in from across the county and beyond for the annual tradition. Karah Brodie, who grew up in Jefferson County and now lives in Portland, said she and her family make the trip back every year for the fair. Her 3-year-old son Jack took to the bouncy houses immediately, including the Daredevil Island attraction.
The Jefferson County Event Complex is located on Fairgrounds Road in Madras. Gates open Saturday for the final day. Check the Jefferson County Fair website for the full schedule and rodeo times.