Sometimes you get invited to something and have no idea what you’re walking into — but you say yes anyway, because you trust the people inviting you. That’s exactly how I ended up at the Tillamook County Fair this year.
My friend Robin is a dance teacher at Northwest Dance Academy in Tillamook, and every year her students perform at the fair. She’s always there to support them, but she and her husband also make it a tradition to enjoy the fair as a whole. When they invited me to tag along, they couldn’t stop talking about one thing: the Pig and Ford races.
Now… I’ll be honest. I had no clue what they were talking about. Pig? Ford? Together? Robin and her husband described it as “the funniest, coolest thing you’ll ever see,” and their excitement was contagious. I figured, okay, this has to be good.
And they were right.
For those who don’t know (like I didn’t), the Pig and Ford race is a 100-year-old Tillamook tradition. Contestants race around a dirt track in old Model T Fords — while holding a live pig. Yep, you read that right. Drivers have to scoop up a pig, climb into the car, and then race around the track while somehow keeping control of both the animal and the car. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and strangely heartwarming all at once.
But the fair isn’t only about wild traditions — it’s also about the community. After Robin’s students finished their dance performance, we got to see their other contributions too. Some had animals entered in the fair, others had flowers, and even baked goods. The kids were so proud and excited to show us their entries. For the first time, the county fair felt personal — like we weren’t just visitors, but part of a bigger family, cheering on our friends.
And of course, no fair day is complete without food. This was the day I was introduced to the Pronto Pup — which, fun fact, actually originated in Oregon back in the 1930s! It’s like the classic corn dog’s cousin: a hot dog dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection. I love trying new things, and honestly, whether I end up loving it or not, the thrill of experiencing something different is the best part. If you’ve never had one, definitely give it a try!
Last but definitely not least, the highlight of the day had to be the Tillamook ice cream. If you know me, you know I can’t drive through Tillamook without stopping at the Tillamook Creamery — but this time, they had ice cream right at the fairgrounds. There was even an adorable VW van set up for selfies, which made the whole experience even sweeter (literally).
Later in the afternoon, we made our way over to the horse racing. It was actually my very first time seeing a race in person — something I’d only ever watched in movies. The energy from the crowd, the sound of hooves hitting the track, it was all so exciting. At one point, one of the horses even fell, and for a moment it was scary because it looked like the rider might have been hurt. Thankfully, both the horse and rider were okay, and the race went on. It was such a reminder of how unpredictable — and thrilling — live events can be.
Then it was time for the big event everyone was waiting for: the Pig and Ford races.
The crowd went wild every time a driver barely kept hold of their pig, or when a car sputtered along the track like it was on its last breath. It’s pure small-town joy — messy, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
I didn’t bring my professional camera — just snapped a few photos on my phone — and honestly, I’m glad. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from work mode and just soak it all in: the laughter, the energy, the food, the community.
The Tillamook County Fair showed me that photography isn’t the only way to tell a story — sometimes the story just tells itself. And this one? It’s about tradition, pride, and the joy of being part of something that’s been loved for a century.
So if you ever get the chance, go. Trust me. You don’t need to know what a Pig and Ford race is — you just need to show up, eat something fried, grab an ice cream cone, and enjoy the ride. You’ll leave grinning, just like I did.
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