Roller coasters and deep-fried treats toward the end of August only means one thing.

The 154th Oregon State Fair is returning to Salem for 11 days beginning Friday, Aug. 23. Tens of thousands will come to the Mid-Valley to experience the fair, running through Labor Day.

Many beloved attractions like Dog Town, All-Alaskan Pig Racing and the 60th annual Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest will be back. As well as dozens of rides and carnival games.

Big names including Dustin Lynch, 3 Doors Down, REO Speedwagon and The Commodores are coming to town to perform as part of the Columbia Bank Concert Series.

And if you're looking for something new, here are some things you can expect this year:

Sea Lion Encounters

Watch as rescued sea lions balance balls, leap, jump and interact with trainers.

This educational marine conservation outreach experience is new to the Oregon State Fair and will be free with fair admission all 11 days.

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The Wonderful World of Sawdust

This woodcarving experience — showcasing lumberjacks and chainsaw artists — is located in the gardens.

There will be entertainment, storytelling and ax throwing every night, as well as Oregon craft beer, s' mores and barbecue.

It also features the Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show and the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers.

Belt Buckle Battle

A rodeo battle like never before.

Four teams of rodeo professionals are in it to win it, and spectators must choose a team to root for before the battle begins. Seating in the Pavilion is determined by which color you choose:

The Patriots wear red jerseys

The Legends wear blue jerseys

The Outsiders wear yellow jerseys

The Renegades wear green jerseys

Meet and greets will be available before the competition, which is at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and free with admission.

Other new attractions include Jaripeo Espectacular, a Mexican bull riding competition, the 2019 Monster Truck Northwest Championships and the Oregon State Fair Demolition Derby Championship.

Visit oregonstatefair.org for more information.

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

Interested in telling at one of the upcoming Salem Storytellers Project events? Submit your story: www.storytellersproject.com/tell

If you go

When: Aug. 23 to Sept. 2

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

Cost: $8 adult, $6 children, $50 wristband; discounted presale tickets available through Aug. 22