The Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo will return to the Fairgrounds on Fairgrounds Road in Madras from July 22 to 25, 2026 — an annual tradition stretching back to the 1930s — but attendees should expect one notable change: there will be no carnival rides or midway games this year.
Bart Platt, manager of the Jefferson County Event Complex, confirmed that Paul Maurer Shows, the fair’s longtime carnival vendor, informed organizers it could not attend the 2026 event due to a shortage of workers. Despite efforts to find an alternative carnival vendor, none were available on short notice.
“Unfortunately, our carnival provider informed us that they are unable to attend this year’s fair due to a shortage of workers,” Platt said. “We’re fully committed to delivering a fun, family-friendly event and look forward to another great Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo.”
The Fair Carries On
Fair Board Chair Dan Comingore addressed the situation directly on the fair’s Facebook page, acknowledging the disappointment while urging the community not to count the fair out.
“The Jefferson County Fair is still alive and well. We’re not going anywhere. Yes, it may look a little different because we don’t have a carnival, but our fair is not defined by a carnival.”
Jefferson County is not alone in facing this situation. The Lincoln County Fair, held in Toledo, also announced it would go without a carnival in 2026 due to a separate vendor issue, suggesting that a regional shortage of carnival staffing is affecting multiple Oregon county fairs this summer.
What to Expect at the 2026 Fair
While specific programming details for this year’s event are still being finalized, the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo traditionally features:
- PRCA-sanctioned rodeo competition
- 4-H and FFA livestock shows and auctions
- Open class exhibits in arts, crafts, cooking, and horticulture
- Live music and entertainment
- Local food vendors and community booths
- Junior fair activities for children
The Jefferson County Event Complex is located on Fairgrounds Road in Madras. The 50-plus-acre complex is the heart of the county’s largest annual gathering.
Ticket Refunds for Pre-Purchased Carnival Tickets
Anyone who pre-purchased carnival-specific tickets can receive a refund at the fairgrounds main office, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For the most current schedule and event details, visit the Jefferson County Event Complex page at jeffersoncountyor.gov/fairgrounds or follow the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo on Facebook.