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May 19, 2026 in News

Benton County Fair & Rodeo announces 2026 Main Stage lineup

Hunter Hayes, Queen Nation headline four days of concerts at fairgrounds July 29–Aug. 1

CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Fair & Rodeo is back this summer with a main stage lineup that organizers say has something for every generation. The annual event returns to the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, July 29 through Aug. 1.

The fair, a beloved community tradition featuring 4-H livestock shows, rodeos, carnival rides, competitive exhibits and food, will wrap up each evening with free concerts on the Pioneer Connect-sponsored main stage, all included with $10/day fair admission.

“The Benton County Fair is one of those events that brings our whole community together, and this year’s lineup reflects that,” said Jennifer Martin, Benton County Fair manager. “Whether you’re a lifelong country fan, a rock music lover, or you’re just bringing the kids out for a great time, there’s something on that stage for you.”

Wednesday, July 29 is Family Day

The fair kicks off with Family Day, when all kids 16 and under receive free fair admission. Main stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and includes family-friendly acts Bright Hearts Circus, Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show and Jeff Martin Magic & Hypnosis.

Thursday, July 30 is the Battle of the Bands

Local and regional artists compete in the fan-favorite Battle of the Bands competition throughout the afternoon and evening. The winner will earn a coveted spot on Friday night’s main stage. Plus, it’s senior day, so those 60+ get free admission for a front row seat.

Friday, July 31 will “Rock You” with Queen Nation

The Battle of the Bands winner opens the night at 7 p.m. before the main event. Queen Nation takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Founded in 2004 in Los Angeles, Queen Nation has built a reputation as one of the premier Queen tribute acts in the country. The four-piece band recreates the iconic sound and energy of Queen’s classic 1970s and ’80s concerts, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You.” The band has been honored in the California Music Hall of Fame and won Best Live Band at the 2020 VCMA Awards.

Saturday, Aug. 1 brings Jacquie Roar and Hunter Hayes for Country Night

Saturday night features a double bill of country talent. Oregon Jamboree veteran Jacquie Roar opens at 7 p.m. She is fresh off her fourth-place finish on Season 24 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she earned a rare four-chair turn performing Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party.” Roar has shared stages with Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan+Shay and others.

Headlining our Country Night is chart-topping artist Hunter Hayes at 8:30 p.m.

GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-instrumentalist and PLATINUM-selling artist, Hunter Hayes is an embodiment of a musician that embraces evolution and redefines boundaries. Bursting onto the scene with his PLATINUM-certified debut album, Hayes has charted a unique course through the genre-bending course he was destined to explore.

The Louisiana native has amassed over 3 billion global on-demand streams since his debut, with seven singles achieving gold and 10x PLATINUM certifications. His electrifying on-stage performances have not only stolen the hearts of fans but have also earned him spots on tours with superstars like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and resulted in his own sold-out headlining shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Hayes’ most recent release, EVERGREEN, is a 10-track genre-blending project that completes a trilogy beginning with Wild Blue and Red Sky, tracing a journey from optimism through conflict to resolution. The project received worldwide recognition, alongside television performances of “Too Late” on the Live with Kelly & Mark and the title track “Evergreen” on the The Kelly Clarkson Show.

“We’re especially excited to have Hunter Hayes close out the fair on Saturday night,” Martin said. “He’s an incredible performer. Pairing him with Jacquie Roar, who has a strong Oregon connection, makes for a really special evening.”

Beyond the Main Stage

The fair also features the Willamette Valley Fiddle Contest, a beard, mustache and goatee competition, rodeos, carnival, 4-H exhibits and the Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction. Dozens of other activities and competitions will fill the four days.

All main stage concerts are free with paid fair admission. Seating in the outdoor venue is first-come, first-served. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Tickets are on sale now for just $10.

For tickets, schedules and more information, visit the Benton County Fair website or call 541-766-6521. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Mindy Johnson at the same number.

The Benton County Fair & Rodeo is held at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 110 SW 53rd St., Corvallis, OR 97333.

The new Benton County Fair & Rodeo logo.

April 28, 2026 in News

Benton County announces winning logo design for 2026 Fair and Rodeo

Benton County has announced the winning design for the official 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo logo after strong community participation in the countywide “Design Rodeo” contest.

The selected winner is “Cow Tag”, created by Cassandra “CJ” Judd of Corvallis. Judd’s design will be the official look of the 2026 fair and will appear on posters, social media, merchandise and other promotional materials.

The contest ran from November through February and invited artists of all ages to submit original designs based on the theme Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights. After reviewing entries, the Benton County Fair Board and fair organizers selected four finalists. Voting was then opened to the public online and through community outreach, with combined results choosing the winner.

Because of the strong response, the Design Rodeo will become an annual contest. Organizers hope it will continue to involve the community in shaping and celebrating the fair each year.

“I approached the contest with the goal of creating something that felt true to the roots of the Benton County Fair and Rodeo while still being adaptable across everything from merchandise to signage,” Judd said. “The Cow Tag concept was designed as a recognizable, story-driven badge that brings together the full scope of the event—from livestock and rodeo to the energy of summer nights—while holding up across a range of applications. As someone deeply connected to the rodeo and agriculture communities, it’s incredibly rewarding to see it selected, and I’m excited to see it leave its mark across the county.”

Judd is an independent creative director based in Corvallis.

As the winning artist, Judd will receive a share of proceeds from commemorative merchandise along with an “Ultimate Fair Experience” package.

The Benton County Fair and Rodeo is held each year in Corvallis and brings thousands of visitors for agricultural exhibits, entertainment, carnival attractions and rodeo events. Ticket sales for the 2026 fair open May 15.

Nicole Schrock addresses the crowd from horseback during last year’s Spring Stampede at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

April 22, 2026 in News

Spring Stampede showcases all-girls rodeo and Benton County tradition

The 4th Annual Spring Stampede, an all-girls rodeo set for May 16, 2026, at the Benton County Fairgrounds, returns for a full day of competition, community and celebration of cowgirls in the arena.

The event brings together female competitors of all ages for a fun, supportive and competitive day of rodeo, featuring events like team roping, breakaway roping, pole bending, barrel racing and goat tying. Spectators can expect fast runs, big rides and a chance to cheer on talented athletes from across the region.

In Benton County, rodeo is more than a one-day event, it’s a tradition built by volunteers and families with a shared passion for the sport.

Behind the Spring Stampede is the Benton County Rodeo Committee, a volunteer-led group that works year-round to organize rodeo events, build partnerships and create opportunities for competitors.

For committee chair Nicole Schrock, that work is rooted in a lifelong connection to rodeo.

Schrock grew up in Benton County as a 4-H member, raising rabbits and spending time at the fair, but it was the rodeo that captured her attention.

“I would sneak away to watch,” she said. “I was just enthralled by the athletes, both human and livestock, and the culture around it.”

That early fascination turned into years of involvement. Schrock was named Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen in 2007 and went on to serve as Miss Northwest Professional Rodeo Association in 2010 and Miss Rodeo Oregon in 2013. Over time, those experiences helped prepare her to take on leadership roles, including the integral part she played in launching Benton County’s all-girls rodeo events, the Spring Stampede and the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo that happens at the Benton County Fair & Rodeo each year.

Now in its fourth year, the Spring Stampede builds on that vision and the success of the Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo at the Benton County Fair.

“It’s about creating a place where women and girls can compete and support each other,” Schrock said. “That camaraderie is something special.”

Support from sponsors and the community has helped the event grow, increasing participation and expanding prize opportunities for competitors.

Beyond competition, the Spring Stampede reflects a broader rodeo culture in Benton County that is grounded in family, tradition and a welcoming environment.

“It’s a unique community,” Schrock said. “There’s a lot of heart, a lot of support, and people really believe in what these events represent.”

Entries are now open for Spring Stampede competitors.

The event provides fun for the whole family, no matter your rodeo knowledge, so community members are encouraged to come support the riders.

“Join us for a day celebrating cowgirls in the arena,” said 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Jessica McClennan. “This all-girls rodeo brings together competitors of all ages for a fun, supportive and competitive day of rodeo. Come out to watch some great runs, big rides and cheer on these talented cowgirls.”

The Larry Bell Memorial All Girls Rodeo takes place at the Benton County Fair and Rodeo this year, continuing to expand opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

For updates and event details, follow the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen page, managed by this year’s Fair Queen Jessica McLennan, on Facebook or via email at corvallisrodeo@gmail.com.

Learn more about Jessica and the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Program.

Nicole Schrock competes at the 2025 Spring Stampede
Contestants competes during the 2025 Spring Stampede
Contestants competes during the 2025 Spring Stampede

Contestants compete during the 2025 Spring Stampede at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The event brings together riders from across the region for a day of competition and community. (Photos by Ladd Halupa)

TOP IMAGE: Nicole Schrock addresses the crowd from horseback during the 2025 Spring Stampede at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The annual event highlights opportunities for women and girls in rodeo. (Photo by Ladd Halupa)

A before-and-after photo of a back yard that is now full of native plants and flowers

April 22, 2026 in News

Growing habitat, one yard at a time: Nature Neighbors takes root in Benton County

In neighborhoods across Benton County, a quiet transformation is about to begin. It’s one that starts with as little as 50 square feet of soil and a willingness to try something new.

Nature Neighbors , a partnership of the Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Preservation District, is a new program in Benton County to help residents turn everyday spaces into thriving habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Through hands-on guidance, small grants and community support, the program empowers people to make meaningful environmental change where they live.

For Sara Roberts, the program is both a professional project and a personal mission.

Roberts, a community engagement coordinator with Benton Soil and Water Preservation District, leads outreach efforts that include public-facing programs, K-12 field trips and one-on-one support for property owners. At the heart of that work  is a simple idea: anyone can help wildlife, regardless of how much space they have.

“People don’t need a large property to make a difference,” Roberts said. “This program shows that even a small plot can create valuable habitat connections across neighborhoods and, ultimately, larger-scale wildlife corridors.”

The program also reflects a broader vision from Greenbelt Land Trust to connect people, land and wildlife across the region.

“Greenbelt Land Trust is co-launching Nature Neighbors with the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, a demonstration of the strong partnership between these two organizations that goes back decades. Greenbelt sees collaborations as the key to successful conservation,” said Jessica McDonald, Greenbelt Land Trust executive director. “By jointly stewarding this emerging community program, we are leveraging the strengths of both organizations and building a program that is lasting.”

McDonald said even small actions taken by individual households can have a meaningful impact at a larger scale.

“Even a small native habitat can make a big difference for wildlife,” she said. “By transforming urban spaces, even micro yards, into flourishing mini native habitats, we are creating habitat stepping stones that traverse our communities, enabling wildlife to move, adapt and thrive.”

The Nature Neighbors program focuses on replacing invasive plants with native species, improving soil health and building landscapes that are more resilient to drought and wildfire. Participants receive guidance through a step-by-step certification process that includes site visits, a habitat handbook and personalized recommendations. Those who complete the program earn a yard sign recognizing their contribution to local habitat.

And the effort goes beyond plants.

Roberts said residents can incorporate features like birdhouses, water sources and pollinator habitat while learning how to make their spaces more supportive for wildlife overall.

Equity is also a key part of the program’s design. Mini scholarships and small grants help offset the cost of plants and tools, ensuring more people can participate.

“For those who need assistance, a volunteer cohort including students from Oregon State University can help with installation and maintenance, making the program more accessible to older adults and others who may not be able to do the work themselves,” she said.

Roberts said the idea for a program like this has been years in the making.

“When I first got into native plant gardening, there just wasn’t much support,” she said. “I remember doing all the research on my own and wishing something like this existed. This community has a strong culture of people who want to be a part of a growing habitat movement. We just needed a way to provide the right resources.”

Michael Ahr, executive director for Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, said the program is an opportunity to get more community members involved in practical, hands-on conservation work.

“We’ve spent a lot of time working with private landowners on larger properties,” Ahr said. “Nature Neighbors gives us a chance to engage smaller property owners in that same work, especially when it comes to controlling non-native species and improving habitat.When more property owners take part, the benefits add up across the community.”

Nature Neighbors builds on successful models across Oregon, including the Backyard Habitat Certification Program in the Portland metro area, and similar efforts in Marion, Polk, Lane and Yamhill counties. Now, Benton County is bringing that approach to its own communities, with a focus on local needs and partnerships.

For Benton County Sustainability Coordination Jennifer Brown, the program aligns closely with broader County goals that prioritize sustainability.

“The Nature Neighbors program helps people preserve and create habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife,” Brown said. “This program gives community members a meaningful way to make a difference.”

That impact extends beyond individual yards. By encouraging native plantings and better land stewardship, the program supports stormwater management, biodiversity and climate resilience across the County.

“It’s going to take us all to preserve what we have,” Brown added.

Community members interested in getting involved can enroll in the program and learn more at the Nature Neighbors website. An upcoming public information session on April 29 will offer a chance to explore how to get started and connect with program partners.

As more residents take part, the vision is simple but powerful: a patchwork of small, intentional spaces can grow together into something much larger.The path to healthier ecosystems can start right outside the front door.

Students at Mountain View Elementary created this pollinator garden with funding from Benton SWCD, bringing beauty and biodiversity to a previously-bare sidewalk strip
Students at Mountain View Elementary created this pollinator garden with funding from Benton SWCD, bringing beauty and biodiversity to a previously-bare sidewalk strip. Photo Credit: Nancy Tovar
Sara Roberts at her own native wildflower garden.
Sara Roberts at her own native wildflower garden.
Insect "hotels", such as this one at Chintimini Wildlife Center, provide abundant habitat for a number of species of pollinators and other bugs, and are easy to build.
Insect “hotels”, such as this one at Chintimini Wildlife Center, provide abundant habitat for a number of species of pollinators and other bugs, and are easy to build. Photo credit: Sara Roberts

Benton Area Transit Coordinator Maya O'Neal

April 6, 2026 in News

Benton County welcomes new Benton Area Transit coordinator

Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Maya O’Neal as the County’s first in-house coordinator for Benton Area Transit. Her first day of work was April 1.

O’Neal brings extensive knowledge and skills in transportation at the local government level. Most recently she served as the public parking coordinator for the City of Corvallis, where she worked to optimize and revitalize the parking system.

Previously she worked in the Transportation Department of the City of Fresno, California, which has a population of over 540,000 and covers over 110,000 square miles. Her primary duties included logistics, scheduling and routing.

O’Neal also has experience reviewing and applying federal statutes, legal regulations and compliance guidelines — essential skills for the Benton Area Transit coordinator role.

O’Neal enjoyed her three years focused on parking with the City of Corvallis, but when she saw a chance to get back into transit she jumped at the opportunity. She is a problem solver who enjoys exploring traditional and new approaches to find the best solutions.

“Maya is exactly the person we were looking for to support Benton Area Transit,” says Public Works Director Gary Stockhoff. “Her skills check every box in the job description, and her infectious enthusiasm and can-do attitude are even more than we hoped for.”

Benton County Community Development Director Bob Richardson

April 2, 2026 in News

Benton County to welcome Bob Richardson as Community Development director 

Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Richardson as Community Development director, beginning April 17. 

Richardson is a skilled planner and leader whose experience includes executing and improving land use planning policies and strategies for different local jurisdictions. He was a key contributor to the development of OSU plans including the Corvallis Campus Vision and the Sustainable Transportation Strategy. He also successfully led multiple amendments to the Corvallis Land Development Code paving the way for future OSU development.

Richardson has more than two decades of experience in land use planning in Benton and Linn Counties. He spent the last seven and half years as the land use planning manager at Oregon State University. There he provided leadership, strategy and expertise for land use planning activities and issues at OSU locations across the state. 

Prior to that, he worked for four years as planning manager for the City of Albany and nine years for the City of Corvallis as an associate planner. 

“After an intensive screening process that included two comprehensive interview processes, individual interviews with each of the Commissioners and a post interview debrief with me, I have no doubt that Bob is the perfect person to be our next community development director,” said Interim County Administrator Rick Crager. 

His references described him as a dedicated, hard-working, calm and collaborative leader. One called him “One of those individuals that you just want to work for… extremely thoughtful in his approach to local planning and makes everyone feel heard and part of the solution.”

“That’s exactly the kind of leader we need in Benton County to oversee important projects like the upcoming review and update of the Comprehensive Plan,” said Crager.

Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon.  He is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

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