The 10-day run will go from Aug. 2 through Aug. 11 in Ridgefield

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

They’ve got cows and carnival rides.

They’ve got dinosaurs and dogs.

They’ve got food and fun.

They’ve got venues and vendors.

Summer’s Best Party is getting ready to open with the 154th edition of the Clark County Fair.

This year’s theme: “We’ve got it all.”

And it all begins Friday at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield.

The 10-day run goes from Aug. 2 through Aug. 11, and it includes three concerts and then daily action-packed events in the grandstands, a dinosaur exhibit, the return of DogTown, a parade on opening day, and all the animals, the rides, the food, the drinks, and, well, like they say: They’ve got it all.

The Your Party Center Concert Series kicks off on opening night of the fair with country music artist Billy Currington on Friday, Aug. 2, followed by Sublime with Rome on Saturday, Aug.3, and Chris Janson on Sunday, Aug. 4. 

Free seating is available with the purchase of fair tickets. Those who want extras can purchase VIP reserved seating between $30 and $40 and this year there is a standing pit close to the stage for $40.

When the concerts end, the dirt begins.

The grandstands turn to rodeo and mutton bustin’ on Aug. 5 and 6. 

On Aug. 7, the demolition derby will crash the party. 

Side by Side racing returns on Aug. 8. 

Tuff Trucks will be looking for the best times while maneuvering over jumps, hills, and mud pits. They perform Aug. 9 and 10.

And for the grand finale on the final day of the fair, it’s Monster Trucks. ‘Nuff said.

As far as exhibits, the fair is proud to present a story that is millions of years in the making.

Dino Encounters will be presented in an 18,000 square foot prehistoric fun educational activity area. This will include a T-Rex inflatable obstacle course course for children. 

DogTown will return with Xtreme AirDogs taking turns jumping into a 32,000-gallon pool. Plus there are training skills and wellness seminars for you and your best friend. DogTown is open 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.

The Pirate’s Parrot Show has been bringing joy to the fair for years. Chris Biro is back with his educationally-based pirate themed show that features dozens of birds.

Other flying guests will be showing off their colors in an indoor, controlled environment for Butterfly Adventures.

The Kids Park will be filled with plenty of fun activities and contests galore – and is a great place to find some shade on a hot day. 

The Holt Homes Community Stage will feature free around-the-clock musical entertainment with local bands, and the Washington State Fiddler Championships return on Saturday, Aug 3rd, and Sunday, Aug 4th. 

Then there are the rides. Always popular among the young and the young at heart. Butler Amusements and Summer’s Best Carnival is returning to the Clark County Fair. Don’t miss the new spectacular Khaos ride. 

Oh, and the animals are the real stars of any fair. Cows. Horses. Goats. Sheeps. And more. They are getting ready for visitors.

The Mattress Firm Marketplace will be open, air-conditioned, and filled with exhibits, vendors, bargains, and shopping. Plus some sports cages, trampolines, a climbing wall, and water balls that allow one to walk on water.

Clark County Today expects to post each day’s highlights throughout the Clark County Fair’s run, plus occasional profiles on exhibits and the people who bring the fun to Summer’s Best Party.

Southwest Washington Fred Meyer stores have vouchers for free entry to the fair on opening day, but those vouchers are only good from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance and online at https://www.clarkcofair.com/. There is a small fee for purchasing online.

Gate prices are: $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $9 for children 7 through 12. Children 6 and under are free.

There are more deals, including wristbands for rides, available at https://www.clarkcofair.com/