County fairs are typically known for some of the cheesier parts of Americana like pie eating contests and giant vegetable competitions, but this year the annual Oregon State Fair is stepping up their cool factor a bit, thanks to the Oregon Cannabis Business Council. This year’s county fair will be host to the Oregon Cannabis Fair exhibit which will feature the top cannabis plants in Oregon.
More than 60 growers are expected to compete for the blue, purple, and yellow ribbons in three categories: sativa, indica, and hybrid. All plants must be in a nonflowering form for judging. The initial competition will happen August 13-14 at a pre-fair elimination contest, where judges will sample wares and make their final decisions. From there the plants will move to the Oregon Cannabis Fair exhibit that will display at the fair in Salem from August 26-September 5.
And no, the state fair air will not be filled with ganja smoke instead of the smell of fried foods and pig poop -- no samples will be given out to eager fairgoers, unfortunately. The marijuana display will be kept inside a guarded greenhouse and only those 21 and up will be allowed inside.
According to the Los Angeles Times, judges for the top honors (and the only ones getting any samples) include 71-year-old self proclaimed Guru of Ganja, Ed Rosenthal from Oakland. Rosenthal will serve as the head judge.
This will be the first time that a grower can take home a shiny blue ribbon for something that is illegal under federal law.
Other notable attractions at the fair for stoners include a nice music lineup that includes some classic rock, perfect for a blanket and a bowl in the park including Foreigner, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, and Pat Benatar. There’s also Dog Town, a giant dog agility course that looks awesome, a friggin’ laser light show every night, and plenty of food eating competitions just waiting for a pothead to wreck shop.
If ever there was a time for a trip to Oregon, it’s state fair time!
