Five new attractions to check out at the Oregon State Fair

Abby Luschei | Statesman Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption WATCH: Oregon State Fair Concert Series Nine "family fun," classic rock and country concerts make up the Oregon State Fair summer concert series lineup, running throughout the fair Aug. 24 to Sept. 3.

Indulging in insanely-bad-for-you food with no guilt and then voluntarily getting on a ride that flips you upside down can only mean one thing — it's state fair time.

The Oregon State Fair is returning to Salem for 11 fun-filled days, bringing back more than 150 years of tradition along with some new additions.

Thrilling rides, deep-fried deliciousness, live entertainment and animals galore, fair spokesperson Dan Cox said each year they put effort into improving the fair for Oregonians — whether that be a new layout or bringing in fresh entertainment.

MORE: Finish your summer strong with these August events in the Mid-Valley

"We are excited to continually raise the bar on the experience of the Oregon State Fair," he said in a press release. "Whether it be a dog-agility show or a pie-eating contest, there is something to satisfy every age and interest."

Fairgoers will get to experience favorites including the return of Motorsport event GK Machine Mania, X-Treme Air Dogs at Tractor Supply Dogtown, an improved Artisan Village now featuring an Oregon Wine Patio and 48 carnival rides.

A fair cannot go into its 153rd year without some new attractions, though. Get ready for bugs, thrill rides and acrobatic entertainment. Here is a taste of what to expect from the Oregon State Fair:

A change in layout

To provide a better experience — particularly for families — Cox said they reconfigured the fair's design to make attractions for children more centrally located. A majority of the changes were made to the carnival area.

Story continues below:

"We brought the kiddie rides more central to the fair and quite close to the food court," he said. "We think that will be a better experience for all the families who bring their smaller kids."

The Familyville Stage, which hosts revolving entertainment every 30 minutes, was also moved to the east side of the food court. Cox said the move places the stage, which is partially covered, in a more dynamic location that is easier to locate.

FAIR CONCERTS: Here is every act coming to the Oregon State Fair this year

Bug-Ology exhibit

Giant animatronic bugs may seem like something straight out of "Black Mirror" episode, but the opportunity to come face-to-face with robotic praying mantis' and caterpillars is free with fair admission.

Located near the petting zoo and pig races, Bug-Ology is a new exhibition that features interactive educational stations, an assortment of edible bug treats at the “Bug Bites Bar" and a butterfly exhibit. Fairgoers can also score a photo op with a Scorpion or Tarantula.

And if you really want to immerse into the world of insects, take a walk through the Spider Forest — yeah, that's a real thing.

Thrilling Star Tower ride

Say hello to the fair's new ride, Star Tower, the 122-foot thriller baby of the Extreme Scream and Wave Swinger. Cox said that the Star Tower is the tallest swing ride to ever appear at the Oregon State Fair.

Here is how it works: As you sit with a partner in a swing, you are raised up the tower and start to swing in a 60-foot circle. As you rotate around the tower, you are simultaneously moving up and down.

Talk about heart-in-stomach, am I right?

Fun fact: The Wave Swinger featured at the Oregon State Fair, which is not new to the grounds, is the exact ride that was located in Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, according to Cox.

Deep-fried caramel apples

Is a fair even a fair without deep-friend treats? Apple-solutely not.

Every year, at least one new deep-fried treat is created, and this year Fairgoers can bite into deep-fried caramel apples. The catch? They are only available in one spot and interested parties are going to have to search for where they can get their hands on one.

"I like the idea that the deep fried caramel apples are something that fairgoers can seek out," Cox said.

Cirque Zuma Zuma

This new daily feature has been called an "African-style Cirque du Soleil," according to the Oregon State Fair website.

Head to the Familyville Stage to see Cirque Zuma Zuma dance, drum and perform acrobatics.

MORE: Oregon Wildfire Season 2018

Abby Luschei is the entertainment reporter for the Statesman Journal; she can be reached at aluschei@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6747. Follow her on Twitter @abbyluschei or facebook.com/luscheiabby.

Interested in telling a story at one of the upcoming Salem Storytellers Project events? Submit a story here: storytellersproject.com/salem/speak. Learn more here.

If you go

What: This year's Oregon State Fair features more than 40 rides, concerts, animals, competitions and more.

When: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 24-25 and Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 26-30 and Sept. 3, carnival rides start operating daily at 11 a.m.

Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem

Cost: $8 ages 12-64, $6 ages 6-11, $1 ages 65 and older, participating Albertsons and Safeways are selling discounted admission tickets for $5 and carnival ride wristbands for $37.50 through Aug. 23

Information: oregonstatefair.org