Wasco County Fair & Rodeo

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(541) 483-2288

wascocountyfairor@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/wascofair/

81849 Fairgrounds Rd, Tygh Valley, OR, 97063

The Wasco County Fairgrounds and W.E. Hunt Park are located in Tygh Valley, Oregon.

Wasco County has a long history of fairs dating back to 1869.

The First evidence of a fair held in Tygh Valley was in 1912, which was most likely a family picnic at the old Van Duyn Park, just below the Tygh Creek bridge. A similar event was once again held in 1913. However in 1914 to 1915, French Butler got a group together to consider holding a regular fair. The group decided that the property owned by Bill McAtee known as the “upper 40” would be the best location for the fair grounds.

Stock was sold amongst farmers and merchants in the community to purchase the property from McAtee, this property became the southern Wasco County Fairgrounds. At that time, the property was considered to be private and therefore taxes had to be paid, and was eventually foreclosed on.

W.E. Hunt, a local Wasco County resident was so interested in the welfare of children, especially 4-H boys and girls, decided to assume liability of the mortgage and pay the back taxes. Hunt paid for many things out of his own pocket, including prize money. Hunt was often heard to say that “the world rested on the shoulders of young people like the 4-H members.”

At a board meeting held in 1937, he asked if the county would assume responsibility for the fair as well as provide financial assistance. The fair board accepted his proposal. Hunt made it known in a surprise statement that if the county was to assume responsibility, he would donate the property to be used as the Wasco County Fairgrounds. The county court once again agreed. Hunt died shortly after. His wife and heirs made good on his wishes and the property was named Hunt Memorial Park as a living memorial.

Like Hunt, many residents of Wasco County, have stepped forward to keep the tradition of the fair alive and healthy.

Over the past 100 years, generations upon generations of families have gathered to celebrate their pioneer heritage, enjoy friendly competition amongst ourselves, and catch up with old friends, family, and neighbors.

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