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FAQS

Here are the Most Frequently Asked Questions about the Fair in general, and about the Carnival/Midway. Scroll down to see our explanation of the Washington County Fair policy on weapons and outside alcohol. If you have a question about what you can bring into the fair please visit our Prohibited Items page.

General Questions

Is it really true that admission to the Fair is free?


How much does it cost to park at the Fair and is the parking ticket good all day?


Is there a way to use mass transit to get to the Fair?


When is the Fair open?


What is the No First-Entry/No Re-Entry time all about?


Are minors allowed to attend the fair alone?


How do I get to Westside Commons, home of the Washington County Fair, in Hillsboro?


Is there a Ride Share Pick-up/Drop-off area at the Fair?


Will water be available at the Fair?


Is there a place to get out of the heat?


What can I bring into the Fair?


Can I ride my bike or e-bike inside the Fair beyond the gates as well as a unicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller blades, roller skates, footwear with wheels, Segway, "One-Wheel", or hovering transportation devices?


Can I bring my dog or pet to the Fair?


Where is the First Aid Station located?


Where is "Lost and Found" and where are lost children taken?


What number can I dial for Lost and Found?


Can I smoke or vape at the Fair?


Are wheelchairs or motorized scooters available to rent at the Fair?


Are members of the general public/media allowed to take pictures or video at the Fair?


If I want to see a musical act or movie at the Main Stage, what is the seating like and what am I allowed to bring in for seating?


If it should rain, would the Fair be cancelled?


Are ATMs available at the Fair?


Why am I seeing rides operating with people on them while I'm waiting in line to get into the Fair on the weekdays when you open at 5 p.m., or before Noon on the days you open at 10 a.m. ? Are you letting people in early to ride?

Carnival Questions


When does the carnival midway open?


What is this wristband system all about in the Carnival Midway and why am I being charged a Service Fee?


How much will the Unlimited Ride passes be once the Fair opens?


If I don't want to buy an Unlimited Ride Pass, what will the Ride tickets cost once I get to the Fair?


Are the games in the Carnival Midway included for play if I bought an Unlimited Ride Pass?



Why am I seeing rides operating with people on them while I'm waiting in line to get into the Fair on the weekdays when you open at 5 p.m., or before Noon on the days you open at 10 a.m. but the Midway doesn't open until Noon? Are you letting people in early to ride?





Who ultimately decides if it is safe for someone to be allowed on a ride or in an attraction in the Midway?


What if I have a safety concern while I am in the carnival midway?

Explanation of Policy on Weapons & Outside Alcohol

1. The Washington County Fair Manager and/or his/her designee shall contact local law enforcement and discuss security strategies each year before the annual Washington County Fair. Law enforcement shall be encouraged to be present and to patrol the Fairgrounds Complex also known as and including the Westside Commons, during the annual Washington County Fair.
2. Pursuant to ORS 565.240, during activities associated with the annual Washington County Fair, security shall be always on site when the County Fair is open to the public.
3. Security shall check everyone for illegal weapons and outside alcohol before entry into the Fairgrounds Complex for the annual Washington County Fair. Security checks shall be consistent for everyone entering the Fairgrounds Complex. Individuals who do not consent to a security check shall not be allowed entry into the Fairgrounds Complex. The Washington County Fair and/or his/her designee is given authority to provide specific instructions for security staff in advance of each year’s County Fair after meeting with local law enforcement authorities. For purposes of this policy, the Fairgrounds Complex consist of all areas inside the fenced off area at the Fair Complex used to conduct the annual Washington County Fair.
4. During activities associated with the annual Washington County Fair, no person other than law enforcement shall be allowed to bring any weapon, as defined in ORS 166.360(10) into the Fairgrounds Complex. Weapons means:
a) A firearm;
b) any dirk, dagger, ice pick, slingshot, metal knuckles or any similar instrument or a knife, other than an ordinary pocketknife with a blade less than four inches in length, the use of which could inflict injury upon a person or property;
c) mace, tear gas, pepper mace or any similar deleterious agent as defined in ORS 193.211;
d) an electrical stun gun or any similar instrument;
e) a tear gas weapon as defined in ORS 163.211;
f) a club, bat, baton, billy club, bludgeon, knobkerrie, nunchaku, nightstick, truncheon or any similar instrument, the use of which could inflict injury upon a person or property; or
g) a dangerous or deadly weapon as those terms is defined in ORS 161.015.
5. During activities associated with the annual Washington County Fair, no person shall be allowed to bring any outside alcohol into the Fairgrounds Complex. This prohibition does not apply to vendors specifically authorized by written agreement to sell alcohol during the Fair.
6. Except as otherwise provided above, guests found in possession of the above-mentioned prohibited weapons or outside alcohol will be asked to remove the item from the Fairgrounds Complex or dispose of it. Security shall not confiscate any items, nor is security to store or check the above-described weapons.
7. Pursuant to ORS 166.370, no person shall intentionally possess a loaded or unloaded firearm or any other instrument used as a dangerous weapon (as defined in ORS 161.015) in any of the Fair Complex buildings, or grounds adjacent to the buildings, at all times, during the annual Washington County Fair, unless the person is:
a) a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of employment.
b) a person summoned by law enforcement and engaged in assisting the officer.
c) a member of the military when engaged in the performance of duty.
d) possessing a handgun and is licensed to carry a concealed handgun; or
e) authorized by the Washington County Fair Manager to possess a firearm or dangerous weapon in the building.
8. Violation of this policy shall result in denial of entry into or ejection from the annual Washington County Fair. Security shall contact law enforcement if the individual or individuals refuse to leave the Fairgrounds Complex.

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