Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon State Fair opened Friday in Salem.  You can get your corn dog and cattle judging fix through Labor Day. But officials hope some new attractions bring more fairgoers through the gates.  Correspondent Chris Lehman has more.

The livestock pens and carnival rides are still there.  But if you head out to the State Fair this year, you’ll also have the chance to go rock climbing or try out a kayak.

Dave Hoffman is a kayak instructor for a Portland outfitter.

Dave Hoffman:  “We make sure they’re ready to get wet, teach them some basic skills, make them sign a liability waiver, and just get them rolling.”

Nancy Baker-Krofft of Salem brought her son and his friends.  She says they’re dedicated fairgoers anyway but this is the kind of thing that will keep them there longer.

Nancy Baker-Krofft:  “It’s so nice to have a new change of pace.  This is great.  I really appreciate this new thing. Oh...I have to go save this drowning kid.”

Officials hope the adventure sports section will draw new people to the fair.  Last year’s fair drew 350,000 people, which was a ten percent increase from the year before.

Web Link:

www.oregonstatefair.org/