[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13588]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                BENTON COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, this week is the opening of the 
101st Benton County Fair and Rodeo. For more than a century, the 
citizens of Benton County, OR, have come together to show off the 
literal and metaphorical fruits of their yearlong labor, display their 
talents, and enjoy a few diversions.
  The roots of the Benton County Fair actually run as far back as those 
of the State of Oregon. Just 7 months after Oregon achieved statehood, 
the Benton Agricultural Society began holding small fairs. In the early 
1900s, Benton County had an outstanding showing at the Oregon State 
Fair, handily winning the State fair's blue ribbon for its display of 
produce five times--in 1907, 1908, 1910, 1911, and 1912. In 1912, J.F. 
Yates, the mayor of Corvallis, announced a public holiday to celebrate 
Benton County's outstanding showing at the Oregon State Fair. The 
following year, the county had its own celebration on the grounds of 
the Oregon Agricultural College, later to become Oregon State 
University. That year, the county brought out its finest produce, 
livestock, and technology, starting a tradition that will be continued 
this week.
  The Benton County Fair and Rodeo found its current home in 1957, when 
the county purchased 20 acres of land for the fair in Corvallis. In 
1958, the Future Farmers of America and 4-H joined the thriving county 
fair in its longstanding practice of showcasing the region's rich 
agricultural tradition. The fair has matured beyond its roots to 
include carnival festivities, rides, and concession stands in addition 
to live music. I know that folks in Benton County will enjoy a 
wonderful week as they take in the region's storied culture.
  I would like to recognize Betty Malone, the Benton County Fair and 
Rodeo's committee chair, for proposing a quilt to be sewn to 
commemorate the fair's centennial last year, an important date in the 
county's history. I would also like to congratulate Dawn Wunder and 
Donna Johnson for leading the charge to make Betty's proposal a 
reality. The centennial quilt will be presented to the region's 
residents in a ceremony today. Dozens of community members decorated 
the patches that make up the quilt, a collective celebration of the 
county's history. It is a fitting tribute to folks in Benton County who 
for more than 100 years have graced the region with their strong spirit 
and hard work.
  It is my pleasure to submit this statement in recognition of the 
Benton County Fair and Rodeo's 101st year. I look forward to the Fair's 
continued success for many more years.

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