Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center — Attraction in Redmond

The compliments are True. It's the Best Fair from either side of the Mississippi River. Been going to this fair and rodeo for a very long time with family and friends. It's always the best fair, but this one seemed better I would have to say that I can remember. I hope every year the fair keeps it's feel of going there, continues to grow, remains this strong and always fun for all ages. Plus, the Rodeo is without a doubt the Most popular part of the fair and that is well deserved. So since that is true. What needs to happen is to expand it's seating by at least doubling the amount of seats for the rodeo, plus have more of them during the months of May-Sept. This Community rallies around all the events like the fair, concerts and the rodeo and we all would love much more of it. We all also love to see our local hero's come back to be apart of this Big Celebration. There should be a Fireworks show too going on every night. Next year is the 100th Anniversary so it's going to be Huge and Exciting for sure. Now the Only concerns I have and others have that I haven spoken with is that it's too short in amount of days that it is going on. This event draws in multiple thousands of people from all over the place, not just the local people who come to go. It has perfect environment, culture, weather and more so there is no reason it can not go longer. The concert performers that come could definitely be a lot better, this year was a minus. Than of course the parking is complete over crowding and takes far to long of a time. There needs to be a better way to fix this. Expand the parking lot options to new and much larger areas. Than have more ways to enters and exit those lots. Use Buses to have pickup locations at area parking lots where people can park, get on the bus and be taken to the fairgrounds and than be taken back to their vehicles. Must also eliminate those issues of who leave their garbage and messes behind in the parking lots. Especially since 2019, is the 100th year Anniversary. These expansions are critical and...

Deschutes County Fairgrounds has not fulfilled their obligation to our Central Oregon communities, during two fire evacuations this season-The Alder Springs & The Flat.

For those that may not know, the Deschutes County Fairgrounds is listed in the Deschutes County Emergency Management Plan as: “a designated mass care site during emergencies”. The emergency plan does not go on to say that paid events take precedents over evacuation needs of the very communities that contribute tax dollars to this facility.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds actually booted volunteers and evacuees out, during the Alder Springs Fire. 15 hours notice @ 5pm. Many were still under Level 2 evacuation. 40 horses on site, dogs, goats, chickens, pigs, etc. All emergency supplies and thousands of pounds of donations to be removed, with cleaning of the facilities expected, before volunteers departed by 8am.

For the current Flat Fire, there is no space offered at DCFG, as of now. Three days in. 22,000 acres between Culver and Sisters. There are currently 1,000+ rural properties in Level 3. Thousands more when you add Level 2. With horses & other large animals, you need to be out at 2.

The fire is now 2 miles from Sisters. 5% containment. Gusts in the forecast. So far, DCFG and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Department have completely ignored their obligation to our communities.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds has been allowed to choose money over the well being of evacuees and evacuated animals.

Jefferson County Fairgrounds is open and accepting evacuees, with far fewer resources and far less space. They postponed events to make room. A huge thank...

The Deschutes County Fair is becoming more of a disappointment every year. The prices are ridiculous and the operators of the rides are very rude. When the safety of everyone, especially children is involved, you would think that there would be more caution and double-checking latches, and safety belts, No objects like cell phones and backpacks would be out of the pockets of the riders or taking up seating for another rider. The Ring Of Fire is not a ride to ignore the request to have a safety check on their seat or lock. And to get an attitude because you are ignoring the kid and they keep asking for a safety check. For the operator to ruin the ride and the rest of the kid's experience with the rides is not okay. When my son stepped on the ride that day he was pumped about going in circles and being upside down, After the interaction with the operator my son's whole demeanor changed, and not one smile came to his face for the rest of the ride(s). If you are not willing to make the experience safe and one of excitement for the kids and every other rider then do not become a carnival employee. I remember how it was when I was a kid at this fair and comparing it to now days. The difference is like night and day. I am glad I had a better experience when I was a child. I hoped my kids would get to share that same experience but unfortunately they will not. We will not be spending our money or time at this...