Summer is in full swing in Clark County, and the region’s beloved annual fair is back — bigger and more festive than ever. The 158th Clark County Fair officially opened its gates this week, bringing rides, food, livestock, entertainment, and thousands of smiling faces to the fairgrounds.

The fair’s opening drew plenty of excitement, with community members turning out to celebrate one of the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running agricultural and community traditions. At 158 years old, the Clark County Fair remains a cornerstone of local culture, connecting families, farmers, and neighbors in a way that few events can match.

Adding a fun pop-culture twist to this year’s festivities, Vanilla Ice — yes, really — is among the performers taking the stage at the fair. The surprise booking has generated plenty of buzz and smiles around Vancouver and Clark County, proving that the fair organizers know how to keep things fresh and entertaining alongside the classic fair staples that generations of families have come to love.

Alongside the headline entertainment, the fair also welcomed Lady Bird, who landed in the Uptown area as part of the surrounding community celebrations, adding even more local flavor to the week’s events.

The Clark County Fair is more than just a good time — it’s a cherished community gathering that showcases the agricultural heritage, local talent, and neighborly spirit that define this corner of Southwest Washington. Whether you’re there for the carnival rides, the prize-winning livestock, the fair food, or a surprise 1990s hip-hop performance, there’s something for everyone under the summer sun.

The fair runs through mid-August, so there’s still time to grab your wristband, bring the family, and make some memories at one of Vancouver’s most beloved annual traditions.

Sources: Buttondown, Buttondown, Buttondown