The Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo will take place July 22 through July 25 without its traditional carnival rides after the fair’s longtime carnival provider canceled its midway because of ongoing staffing shortages.
Fair organizers announced that Paul Maurer Shows, which has supplied carnival rides to the Jefferson County Fair for many years, informed officials that it would be unable to provide attractions for this year’s event after determining it did not have enough trained employees to safely transport, assemble, inspect and operate its rides during the busy summer fair season.
According to fair officials, the notification prompted an immediate effort to locate another carnival company before opening day. Organizers contacted other midway operators throughout the region in hopes of replacing the canceled carnival. Those efforts were unsuccessful because other companies had already committed their rides, equipment and personnel to fairs scheduled throughout Oregon and neighboring states during the peak summer season.
The cancellation is part of a broader challenge affecting the traveling carnival industry across the western United States. Unlike permanent amusement parks, traveling carnival companies move from one community to another throughout the summer, requiring experienced crews to transport equipment, construct rides, complete safety inspections, operate attractions and dismantle equipment before traveling to the next event. Those operations depend on trained seasonal employees who are qualified to work with large mechanical amusement rides under state safety regulations.
Paul Maurer Shows reported that staffing shortages have affected its ability to fulfill contracts throughout the region this year. Company officials said approximately 16 fairs scheduled during July have been canceled, including five in Oregon, because sufficient personnel were not available to safely operate the rides. Fair officials indicated that safety requirements prevented the company from reducing staffing levels or operating a partial midway.
Jefferson County organizers said the decision to proceed without carnival rides was made after every reasonable effort had been exhausted to secure another provider. By the time the cancellation occurred, replacement carnival operators had already committed to previously scheduled fairs, leaving no available companies capable of bringing a midway to Madras before the opening of the fair.
Although the carnival has been canceled, the remainder of the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo will operate as scheduled.
Professional rodeo competitions will continue throughout the event, along with livestock exhibitions featuring 4-H and Future Farmers of America exhibitors from throughout the region. Young exhibitors will present cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits and other animals they have raised and prepared for competition during the past year. Judging events, educational exhibits and livestock shows will continue according to the published fair schedule.
The fairgrounds will also feature live entertainment, commercial exhibits, community displays, food vendors and family activities throughout the four-day event. Organizers have confirmed that camel rides, games and additional attractions will remain part of this year’s fair despite the absence of the midway. Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and exhibitors are expected to participate as scheduled.
The Jefferson County Fair continues to be one of the few county fairs in Oregon that offers free admission, allowing residents and visitors to attend without paying a gate fee. Fair officials have also announced that refunds will be available for individuals who purchased carnival-related tickets before the cancellation was announced.
The Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo has long served as the county’s annual showcase for agriculture, livestock, youth programs and western heritage. Each year, the event brings together exhibitors, ranchers, businesses, volunteers and community organizations while providing opportunities for local youth to display projects completed through 4-H and FFA programs.
While the absence of carnival rides represents an unusual change for this year’s fair, organizers have confirmed that all other major events and activities will proceed as scheduled. Rodeo performances, livestock competitions, exhibits, entertainment and vendors will continue during the four-day event as Jefferson County prepares to welcome residents and visitors to the 2026 fair beginning July 22 in Madras.