Contributed by Oregon State Fair The Village People will perform at the Oregon State Fair in Salem. The Aug. 30 concert also features Kool & the Gang.

The Oregon State Fair is gearing up for its 2018 event with a theme of “Where Fun Shines.” The fair is Aug. 24 through Sept. 3 in Salem.

Featured artists already announced for special concert events include STYX (Aug. 24); Randy Houser with special guest Blackhawk (Aug. 25); Roots & Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin (Aug. 28); Kool & the Gang and The Village People (Aug. 30); John Kay & Steppenwolf with special guests The Guess Who (Aug. 31); and Happy Ending Tour featuring Old Dominion with special guest Michael Ray (Sept. 3).

Performances in the fair’s L.B. Day Amphitheatre begin at 7 p.m. General admission seating, which is first-come, first-served, is free with fair tickets. People also can purchase VIP concert passes at www.oregonstatefair.org. VIP prices are $40, $50 or $75, which provide preferred seating. Gate admission to the fair is $8 for ages 12-64, $6 for a ages 6-11, $1 for ages 65 and over and free for ages 5 and under. Adults and children can receive a discount with internet presale tickets. In addition, ride and game tickets can be purchased in advance for a discount.

“We always look forward to seeing our visitors enjoy favorites from the past few decades during the beautiful summer nights,” said Dan Cox, Oregon State Fair spokesperson.

The Monday, Aug. 27 concert event features “American Idol Live! 2018.” Audience favorites from the TV competition will be live onstage, including Cade, Caleb, Catie, Gabby, Jurnee, Maddie and Michael. Also, special guest and Season 8 “American Idol” winner, Kris Allen, will be on hand. Additional VIP upgrade packages ($30-$125) offer everything from photo ops and intimate song performances to special merchandise offerings and a commemorative VIP laminate and custom lanyard.

Other special shows includes Faith & Family Night (Wednesday, Aug. 29), which features Skillet, a Christian rock band. And, the Saturday, Sept. 1 show brings “Masters of Illusion,” the hit CW television show, to the stage. The performance stars the world’s greatest award-winning magicians, who will perform modern illusions and arts of deception.

People are encouraged to arrive early for the concert performances and take a stroll through the fairgrounds. Parking costs $5.

Established in 1861, the Oregon State Fair began in Oregon City, moving to Salem a year later. The annual event hosts thousands of visitors and features premier concerts, art, culture, rides, agricultural exhibits and livestock. For more information, visit www.oregonstatefair.org.