Kolby Currin, 18, of Heppner shows a feeder hog for a friend on Thursday at the Morrow County Fair in Heppner.

HEPPNER — With a theme of Morrow County Country Strong, this year’s Morrow County Fair starts Tuesday, Aug. 17, and runs until Aug. 21. The fair if open daily from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., and features open class displays, live music, a hypnotist and the traditional fair activities involving youth livestock projects.

The Morrow County Fairgrounds are at 74473 Highway 74, Heppner. Admission is free.

Fair secretary Ann Jones is excited to again offer free entry to the fair. She said they have worked hard to obtain sponsorships so people can merely walk through the gates.

“It just helps people out so more people can get out and enjoy the fair,” Jones said. “They can spend their money elsewhere, like at the food vendors or to support the 4-H kids with the auction.”

Highlights of the fair, Jones said, includes lots of live music. Aug. 18 will feature Fat Bottomed Girls at 7 p.m. The evening also will include a best dressed ‘80s-themed contest. The evening of Aug. 20 features Olivia Harms, playing country music.

Portland-based country-rock musician Nate Botsford takes the stage Aug 19 at 2:30 p.m., with an ice cream social featuring the Tillamook brand at 3 p.m.

Botsford has performed at the Morrow County Fair several times, and Jones said he’s a crowd favorite. And the feelings are mutual.

“He loves to come to Heppner,” Jones said. “He said it’s one of his favorite places to play music.”

The fair board, Jones said, was looking for something new to bring to this year’s fair — and decided on Justin James, a comedian and hypnotist who has performed in Las Vegas. After watching a few of his videos, they decided his interactive show would be fun. James will perform a couple of shows a day Aug 18-20.

Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo performances are Aug. 20 and 21, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and up, $6 for ages 7-12 and free for ages 6 and under. For ticket information, call 541-256-0217 or visit www.oregontrailprorodeo.com. Featuring local cowboys, the Morrow County Jackpot Rodeo is Aug. 22 at 1 p.m.

After the nightly rodeo performances, Dan Burns 3D Productions will turn up the tunes and people can dance the night away. Attendance at the rodeo isn’t required to enjoy the music afterwards.

A parade is set for Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. in downtown Heppner. And the youth livestock auction gets underway at the fairgrounds at 2 p.m.

For more information about the fair, visit www.co.morrow.or.us/fair/page/county-fair or call 541-676-9474.