Oregon’s biggest event of the year – the 146th Oregon State Fair – is set to open its gates at 10 AM on Friday, August 28. This year its guests – expected to exceed 365,000 in number – will experience a fair that’s BIGGER than ever, with new events and activities, plus all of the traditional favorites.

OPENING DAY HIGHLIGHTS

10 a.m.   FAIR OPENING with State Fair Acting Manager Connie Bradley, staff and volunteers and The Big Tomato (a 13½ -foot-tall juicy guy on a 1935 International pickup truck). In celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, the Oregon State Fair will be passing out free party hats and noisemakers to the first 1,000 people through the gates. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Crowds entering the main gate (Gate J on Sunnyview Road NE)

3:30 p.m.   GOVERNOR TED KULONGOSKI AND FIRST LADY MARY OBERST will dedicate the new, 50’ tower at the 2009 Oregon State Fair and present the Oregon State Fair the first Oregon Heritage Traditions Award. At the end of the ceremony, Radio Disney will lead the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to Oregon in celebration of the state’s 150th birthday. Location: State Fair tower, located in the center of the fairgrounds, between the Natural Resource Area and Center Stage. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Governor and new iconic Fair tower.

8 p.m.   “OREGON! OREGON! 2009” – a rollicking Stan Freberg/Thomas Lauderdale musical with the  234th Army Band – Oregon National Guard and an all-star Oregonian cast, including former Governor Barbara Roberts, columnist Margie Boule and Pink Martini’s China Forbes – debuts in celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday. After the 21-minute musical, there will be a full Pink Martini concert. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: This update of the original 1959 Centennial radio play features live performers, a 9’ tall Beaver and the always colorful Thomas Lauderdale, master of the grand piano. The theme song includes the line “Celebrate, Beaver State!” **SPECIAL PRESS PASS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS SHOW. Contact sara.hamler-dupras@state.or.us or (503) 947-3259.**

Where
Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th Street NE, Salem, OR

When
Friday, August 28, 10 AM-11 PM

Seven finalists vie for the 2010 Miss NPRA Queen title September 3-4

Queens from around Oregon provide spectacular opening to NPRA Rodeo Finals September 1-4

Salem, Ore., August 24, 2009 – In her 2000 book “Rodeo Girl,” former Vogue and Mademoiselle fashion editor Lisa Eisner documented the world of rodeo queens and shared her “fascination with the… individual style, and the ceremonies and rituals of rodeo.”

The 2009 Oregon State Fair promises to dazzle visitors as it draws rodeo queens from every corner of Oregon, as well as queens from Washington, for two days of competition and four evenings of pageantry.

“It’s going to be an amazing event,” said Acting State Fair Director Connie Bradley, who grew up outside of Salem where she was a 4-H member and showed livestock animals at the Marion County Fair and the Oregon State Fairs. “These intelligent cowgirls have worked incredibly hard for their communities, promoting rodeo and our western heritage. We want this to be a night that they, their families and Oregon never forget.”

There are seven finalists competing for the 2010 Miss NPRA Queen title:

* Caylee Cooper (St. Helens, Oregon; attending Mt. Hood Community College)
* JoAnna Fischer (St. Helens, Oregon; attending Portland Community College)
* Michelle Hunter (Ellensburg, Washington; attending Central Washington University)
* Stephanie Larson (The Dalles, Oregon, graduate of Oregon State University)
* Amanda Paul (Corvallis, Oregon; attended OSU and Linn-Benton Community College)
* Nicole Schrock (Corvallis, Oregon; attending Linn Benton Community College)
* Katherine Waynette Rickert (Salem, Oregon; graduate of Montana State University)

On Thursday, September 3 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, the 2010 Miss NPRA Queen contest begins with the finalists demonstrating their horse riding skills in the Pavilion. The day’s competition includes the following categories: Horsemanship (Pattern, Flag Run, Arena Run, Calf/Steer Push), a Horsemanship Interview, and a written Rodeo Knowledge Test.

On Friday, September 4 at 1 PM, the competition continues as the contestants, dressed in formal rodeo attire, show off their poise and speaking skills on the new Bi-Mart Spirit of Oregon stage. The categories of the competition include Modeling and Speech, and each contestant will participate in a mock TV interview.

The 2010 Miss NPRA Queen, whose reign with begin January 1, 2010, will be announced and crowned at the Down in the Dirt party takes place after the final rodeo on September 5. Starting at approximately 9:30 PM, the party also features country music star Aaron Tippin. Tickets for the Down in the Dirt Party are $10.00 (without Fair admission).

To see a multitude of queens on parade, fairgoers can come to the NPRA Rodeo Finals at 6 PM on September 1-4. The queens, all in full regalia and wearing their crowns, will open the rodeos with their Grand Entry. Entry to the rodeo finals is free of charge.

For more information about the 2009 Oregon State Fair, visit www.oregonstatefair.org or call the Fair Information Line toll-free at 1-800-833-0011.

Salem, Ore., August 19, 2009– Oregonians looking for big entertainment for little money need to look no further than Salem and the 2009 Oregon State Fair. For 11 days, the Fair is one of the best deals around, providing hours…and days…of entertainment at low prices. This year, the Fair is introducing new discounts to make the fun even more affordable.

New Multi-Day Attendance Passes
Entrance to the Fair is always affordable, with advance tickets for adults just $8, seniors 65+ $5, and kids ages 6-12 $3. (Kids 5 and under are always free!) This year, even greater savings are available: In response to the encourage multiple day attendance at the 2008 fair, the 2009 Oregon State Fair is introducing new multi-day passes, which offer considerable discounts for all ages:

* 4-Day Pass: Adult $25 (savings: up to $15), Senior $15 (savings: up to $9), Kids $10 (savings: up to $10)
* 6-Day Pass: Adult $35 (savings: up to $25), Senior $20 (savings; up to $16), Kids $15 (savings: up to $15)
* 11-Day Pass: Adult $50 (savings: up to $60), Senior $30 (savings: up to $36), Kids $20 (savings: up to $35)

And, to add to the savings, parking at the Fair is always free!

New Discounts
In addition to its traditional discount days (Red Hat Day on September 1, Carnival Days, etc.) this year the Fair is upping the fun -and savings- with a number of new discount opportunities:

* Senior Day. Fair-goers age 65 and better receive $1.00 off gate admission price. There are also special events throughout the day.
* Carnival Days has been expanded to include Labor Day (Monday, September 7). From 11 AM to 5 PM, all carnival rides cost $1.50. Sponsored by Funtastics. Other Carnival Days: Les Schwab Tires Kids Day (Monday, August 31): $1.50 ride coupons; El Rey Tilt-a-Whirl (Tuesday, September 1): Wristband Ride Day; and Bustos Wristband Wednesday (September 2)
* Nalley “Stuff the School Bus” (Friday, August 28). KINK-FM and the Oregon State Fair are enlisting the help of listeners and attendees to Stuff the Bus with needed school supplies to be distributed throughout the metro area by Schoolhouse Supplies. The bus will be at the Main Gate of the State Fair on opening day (August 28) from 10 am to 2 pm. Visitors who donate one item to the Bus will receive a coupon good for a $1.00 discount at a Fair admission gate. Limit one coupon per person.
* Ride Your Bike Discount (all days of fair). Ride your bike and park in the staffed bicycle corral near the 17th Street entrance at the Americraft Center. Redeem your claim check for $2.00 off the gate admission price!
* Franz Bakery Discount (Monday, September 7). Bring any Franz wrapper with the distinctive blue sticker and receive $1.00 off of Fair admission.
* College Student Discount (all days of fair). Students with a valid student ID (2008 – 2009 school year) from any Oregon college or university (including community college) will receive $1.00 off gate admission price!

For a full listing of discounts throughout the Fair, go to http://www.oregonstatefair.org/big-deals.

Free Shows
At the Oregon State Fair there are 10 different stages that provide almost nonstop entertainment, with something for the entire family. Best of all, it’s all free with fair admission!

Blues, Brews & BBQ (August 28-30, 5-10 PM) On opening night and continuing each evening of opening weekend, Fairgoers can come to the Spirit of Oregon Stage and enjoy great blues in action, including the Ty Curtis Band, Linda Hornbuckle and Curtis Salgado. For only $10, fair-goers can sample Oregon craft beers and professional BBQ next door at the Picnic Grove.

NPRA Rodeo Finals (September 1-4, Grand Entry at 6 PM) Saddle up for the NPRA Rodeo Finals in the Pavilion! We’re bringing back this great family tradition with four nights of rip-roaring fun. Children ages 6-10 may participate in the grand finale pig riot at the conclusion of each rodeo performance. Entry is free with fair admission! And for only $10, rodeo lovers can come to the “Down in the Dirt” after-party with country star Aaron Tippin on September 4 at 9:30 PM.

Demolition Derby (August 28, 6 PM) It’s time to smash ‘em up at the Oregon State Fair! Free with admission. Location: Pavilion.

Sea Lion Encounter (August 28-September 7, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM Monday-Friday; 12 PM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday) New this year, fair-goers can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Let’s Pretend Circus “The CUTEST Show On Earth!” (August 28-September 7) Come to the Little Big Top for a great show…starring YOU! Each show features kids, ages four and up, and an adult from the audience. These Star Performers dress in costumes that quickly slip over their clothes and after just a bit of instruction they put on a 30-minute show with two professional entertainers. Encore!

Gossamer Magic (August 28-September 7, 3:15 and 9:00 PM) One of the world’s greatest illusionists viewed by millions on ABC and CBS, Peter Gossamer combines original concepts and a fresh approach to the art of magic. His grand illusion, comedic vignettes and a charismatic personality will truly amaze you. Catch this show on the Familyville Stage before it disappears!

Statewide Talent Contest (September 6) This classic State Fair contest – the culmination of talent contests held at Oregon County Fairs throughout the summer – will be held throughout the day on Center Stage on Sunday, September 6. Each participating county will send their top candidates to compete in one of three categories: Children (ages 5-9; contest: 10 AM- 12 PM), Youth (ages 10-17; contest: 1-3 PM) and Adults (ages 18 and over, contest: 4-6 PM), to the Oregon State Fair to compete for statewide bragging rights.

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular (August 28 & 29 at 10 PM; August 30 at 9 PM) This one-hour spectacle at the Sports & Recreation Stage will thrill audiences with a multi-media laser and light show set to the music of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits.

For a complete listing of free events, go to http://www.oregonstatefair.org/things-to-do/free-entertainment.

Big Names at Small Prices
Once again, the Oregon State Fair is bringing top entertainment to Oregon, from Pink Martini and Katy Perry to David Cook and The Doobie Brothers. Fairgoers don’t have to pay top dollar, however. Ticket prices start as low as $12, and advance purchase tickets include admission to the fair.

For a complete listing of all headliner performances, go to http://www.oregonstatefair.org/things-to-do/concerts-and-shows/big-shows.

2009 Oregon State Fair Key Information

DATES:
Friday, August 28 – Monday, September 7, 2009 (Labor Day)

LOCATION:
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem

HOURS:
Sundays-Thursdays: 10 AM-10 PM (late night areas until 10:30 PM)
Fridays and Saturdays: 10 AM-11 PM (late night areas until 11:30 PM)

Late night areas: food court, carnival and commercial exhibits

GENERAL ADMISSION:
Adults (ages 13 – 64): $8.00/advance, $10.00/gate
Seniors (ages 65 & over): $4.00/advance, $6.00/gate
Children (ages 6 – 12): $3.00/advance, $5.00/gate
Ages 5 and under: FREE

Parking: FREE

NEW! Multi-Day Admission Passes:
4-Day Pass: Adult $25, Senior $15, Kids $10
6-Day Pass: Adult $35, Senior $20, Kids $15
11-Day Pass: Adult $50, Senior $30, Kids $20

General admission tickets are available for advance purchase at the Fairgrounds (2330 17th Street NE, Salem, OR) and at all participating Safeway TicketsWest outlets (www.ticketswest.com; 1-800-992-8499).

For more information about the 2009 Oregon State Fair, visit www.oregonstatefair.org or call the Fair Information Line toll-free at 1-800-833-0011.

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 200 state parks and the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, plus programs for Oregon’s ocean shores, scenic waterways, the Willamette River Greenway and recreation trails. The department provides grants to local governments, and oversees state heritage preservation efforts through the State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Commission for Historic Cemeteries.

What does it mean to “plump” a chicken and how does it affect you as a consumer?

Plumping is the practice of injecting saltwater, chicken stock, seaweed extract or some combination thereof into chicken to increase its weight and price, while simultaneously increasing sodium content by up to 700%.

Sounds bad, huh? I agree.

Here’s a few more Plumping facts to chew on:

* Plumped chicken is 85% chicken and 15% saltwater.
* A person is likely to spend $1.50 per package on saltwater when buying plumped chicken.
* The average household could waste more than $150 a year on saltwater.
* The USDA estimates that plumping can cost American consumers up to $2 billion per year.

So, why do you need to know this (aside from the obvious reasons)?

Just as consumer buzz on “plumped” poultry begins to take off, Foster Farms will be participating in the Oregon State Fair, with the infamous and hugely “plumped” Foster Imposter chickens. The Imposters, longtime stars of Foster Farms’ TV ads, are two crazy out-of-state, freezer-burned, junk food-eating chickens, that have been trying (to no avail) to live up to the high standards of Foster Farms chicken – always natural, always fresh – and never “plumped!”

Foster Farms participation in the fair will feature entertaining and interactive visuals throughout the day:

- Two 5’ + tall, fully feathered, “plumped” Foster Imposters at the fair.
- Full sized, junk-food strewn Plymouth Belvedere from the infamous Foster Imposter commercials will be available along with the larger-than-life Imposters for free souvenir photo opportunities throughout day.

The Imposters and the Foster Farms Say No to Plumping team will be out at the Oregon State Fair all day on Saturday, August 29th.

Why is Foster Farms participating? Foster Farms is in the midst of a full-scale education campaign aimed at informing West Coast consumers about “plumping” – that is, the injecting of saltwater into fresh, raw chicken at a significant economic and health cost to consumers. Foster Farms does not inject its fresh chicken with saltwater.

According to USDA, U.S. consumers spend $2 billion a year on useless saltwater in “plumped” chicken. Plumped chicken contains 700% more sodium than truly natural chicken and more salt than a large order of french fries. Consumers could be paying $1.50 for just saltwater per package of “plumped” chicken.

The plumping issue is heating up as multiple national publications report on the topic and consumers are taking to comment boards and blogs to voice their dissatisfaction. Foster Farms is keeping the momentum going by educating consumers on the ground at events like the Oregon State Fair.

Please contact us if you have any questions. You can also learn more about plumping at www.saynotoplumping.com.