Jefferson County's Fair & Rodeo walked away from the Oregon Fairs Association's annual conference this week with a new accolade: a social media excellence award recognizing the Event Complex's online outreach efforts throughout the 2026 fair season.
Bart Platt, who manages the Jefferson County Event Complex, accepted the award at the statewide gathering, which brings together fair managers, vendors, and agricultural organizations from across Oregon each fall to review the season and share best practices.
The recognition is a welcome bright spot following what Platt described as a difficult year. County fairs across Oregon navigated a mix of budget pressures, scheduling challenges, and ongoing recovery from pandemic-era disruptions that have continued to reshape attendance patterns and vendor participation statewide.
Staying Connected Where It Counts
The award recognizes the Event Complex's consistent, creative use of platforms including Facebook and Instagram to keep Jefferson County residents engaged before, during, and after the annual fair and rodeo. The Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo — held in Madras each July — is one of the county's marquee summer events, drawing families from across Central Oregon for livestock shows, rodeo competition, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits that showcase the region's ranching and farming heritage.
Social media has become an increasingly critical tool for county fairs seeking to reach younger audiences and communicate in real time. From announcing entertainment lineups and livestock results to posting behind-the-scenes content from the midway and arena, Jefferson County's approach to digital engagement earned it statewide peer recognition this year.
The Oregon Fairs Association represents county and district fairs throughout Oregon, providing member organizations resources on marketing, programming, agricultural education, and fair management. Jefferson County's win adds to a growing list of recognitions the Event Complex has received for its community programming in recent years — including a 2026 Best Small Event award from the Oregon Festivals & Events Association earlier this year.
Planning Ahead for 2027
The Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo typically runs in late July. Event Complex staff will begin laying groundwork for the 2027 edition in coming months, with early sponsorship and vendor inquiries expected to open in early winter.
Residents interested in volunteering, entering livestock or artistic exhibits, or sponsoring events can contact the Jefferson County Event Complex at the fairgrounds on SW Fairgrounds Road in Madras. The complex also hosts other community events throughout the year, including swap meets, livestock auctions, and private rentals.
Platt's recognition at the state conference reflects the volunteer energy and staff creativity that go into promoting a rural county fair in today's digital landscape — and signals that Jefferson County's fairgrounds remain a vibrant center of community life.