Marcus Larson/News-Register##Chloe Holveck evaluates a hen during a special judging contest for FFA students. The Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo continues today and Saturday.

Marcus Larson/News-Register##Kylie Holveck gets a closer look at a set of egg yolks during a chicken judging competition for FFA students. The contest is meant to simulate the process a USDA inspector goes through.

Marcus Larson/News-Register##Horse judge Gail Mann inspects a group of horses during an equestrian event. The Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo continues through Saturday.

County Fair continues through Saturday

Concerts, livestock exhibits and auctions, craft displays, carnival rides, rodeo competition and a wide array of edibles are on the schedule as the 161st annual Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo continues today and Saturday.

The local fair started in 1854, when Oregon was still a territory. It was originally held in Lafayette, which was then serving as the county seat. The oldest county fair in the state, it served as the prototype for the rest.

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The fair will run 10 a.m. to midnight both days on the county fairgrounds, which lie at the north end of Lafayette Avenue in McMinnville. This year’s theme is “Summer’s Biggest Party.”

Daily admission includes all entertainment. For children under 5, it is free. For children 5-12, it is free until 3 p.m. and $5 thereafter. For older fairgoers, it is $10. Parking on the fairgrounds costs $3 per vehicle.

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Rodeo competition is scheduled for 6:30 tonight. On Saturday, bulls and broncs will give way to Buicks and BMWs as the popular demolition derby gets underway at 6 p.m.

Big-name entertainers will perform at 9 each night. Tonight, McKenna Faith will be opening for headliner Aaron Tippin. Warrant will headline Saturday, with Rockit opening.

The popular youth livestock auction will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the show ring in the beef barn. Youths will auction off hand-raised steers, swine and other livestock.

Animals will be on display all day both days, with numerous shows scheduled. Carnival rides will be spinning as well.

Craft items, photos, poems and baked and canned foods can be found in the Leslie Lewis Pavilion. Produce and flowers will be shown in the horticulture pavilion.

For more information call the fairgrounds office, at 503-434-7524 or check the fair website at www.co.yamhill.or.us/fair.