Crook County Fairgrounds
Where Prineville and Crook County Come Together
For more than 120 years, the Crook County Fairgrounds have served as one of the community’s most important gathering places.
Established in 1903 as a horse racing track and fairgrounds, the site has grown alongside Prineville itself. What began with horse racing and agricultural exhibits evolved into the home of the Crook County Fair, the legendary Crooked River Roundup Rodeo, pari-mutuel horse racing, 4-H and FFA programs, concerts, community celebrations, and countless family traditions.
The fairgrounds exist today because generations of volunteers, ranchers, businesses, and community leaders believed they were worth preserving. In 1972, the Crooked River Roundup transferred ownership of the grounds to Crook County, helping secure their future as a year-round community facility that continues to serve residents and visitors alike.
Today, whether you’re attending the fair, cheering at the rodeo, enjoying a horse race, visiting a livestock show, or gathering with neighbors for a community event, you’re experiencing a place that has connected generations of Prineville families for well over a century.
Images generously provided courtesy of the A.R. Bowman Museum
Historical content provided courtesy of Steve Lent and the A.R. Bowman Museum
Historical PATHWAYS™
Crook County Fairgrounds Extended Audio
Historical PATHWAYS™
Crook County Fairgrounds Extended Written Transcript
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Welcome to the Crook County Fairgrounds, one of Prineville’s most treasured community gathering places.
Established in 1903 as a horse racing track and fairgrounds, these grounds have grown into the heart of countless community traditions. From the Crook County Fair and 4-H exhibits to the legendary Crooked River Roundup Rodeo and summer horse racing, generations of families have gathered here to celebrate agriculture, Western heritage, and community.
The fairgrounds have continually evolved through the dedication of local volunteers, ranchers, businesses, and community leaders. In 1972, the Roundup deeded the property to Crook County, ensuring the grounds would remain a year-round community asset while preserving one of Oregon’s great rodeo traditions.
Today, the Crook County Fairgrounds host rodeos, horse racing, livestock shows, concerts, youth events, weddings, banquets, trade shows, holiday lights and community celebrations throughout the year.
More than fairgrounds…
They’re where Prineville comes together.
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