Recapping an Unforgettable Week at the 106th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
It’s impossible to fit all the highlights from such an unforgettable week into one blog post, but we’re giving it our best shot!
The 106th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo was packed with incredible memories, and the Kendall team was proud to be part of the excitement from start to finish. Between welcoming fairgoers, firing up rodeo crowds, and hosting five unforgettable nights of free concerts, this year’s fair was one we’ll never forget.
Our week started right at the front gates, where we had the opportunity to welcome thousands of fairgoers with games, giveaways, and plenty of Kendall fun. Some of the biggest hits? Our Kendall pool floaties and squishy cows, which disappeared almost as fast as we could hand them out! We even spotted the fair’s zebra on stilts making the rounds with one of our Kendall floaties, a moment that perfectly captured the fun spirit of the week.
The Kendall FREE Summer Concert Series
The main stage came alive every night during the Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series. Before each performance, our team had the unique opportunity to head backstage, take the stage, launch t-shirts into the crowd, and toss cowboy hats to get everyone excited for the night’s performance.
Night One: Sara Evans
Sara Evans kicked off the concert series with an evening full of country favorites and some of her biggest hits, including Suds in the Bucket and A Little Bit Stronger. She even mixed in classic country songs that had the entire crowd singing along.
To celebrate America 250, the Kendall team took the stage in white shirts with red, white, and blue cowboy hats, bringing a patriotic touch to opening night.
Night Two: Tyler Hubbard
Tyler Hubbard delivered the ultimate summer country concert, performing favorites like 5 Foot 9 and Meant to Be, along with beloved hits from his days with Florida Georgia Line.
To match the country vibe, our team suited up in tan shirts and cowboy hats before kicking off another incredible night.
Night Three: Ja Rule
Night three brought the biggest crowd of the week as Ja Rule took the stage for an energetic, nostalgic performance that had fans singing every word.
One of the highlights for our team was getting to meet Ja Rule backstage. He and his entire crew were some of the kindest people we’ve ever had the chance to work with, making the experience even more memorable.
The Kendall crew lit up the crowd with baby blue t-shirts and cowboy hats that could be spotted throughout the venue all night long.
Night Four: Clay Walker
Clay Walker gave one of the most genuine performances we’ve ever experienced. He connected with the audience throughout the evening, even calling his children while on stage so the crowd could meet his family, making the night feel incredibly personal. Along the way, he performed many of the timeless hits that have made him a country favorite for decades.
The Kendall team proudly wore hot pink shirts and cowboy hats in support of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink initiative. It quickly became the most popular color of the week, filling the crowd with a sea of pink.
Night Five: Banda Carnaval
We wrapped up the week with a true celebration as Banda Carnaval closed out the concert series. Before the show, our team hit the arena once again in the Grand Entry truck for the rodeo and later joined the excitement at the Demolition Derby before taking the stage in Kendall’s signature yellow and black. It was the perfect way to celebrate an incredible week together.
Kicking Off Every Rodeo Night
Each evening, the Kendall team climbed into our Grand Entry truck to help kick off the rodeo. Armed with t-shirt cannons and cowboy hats, we made our way around the arena getting the crowd on their feet before the action began. There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of fans waving, cheering, and catching Kendall gear before the rodeo starts.
Memories Beyond the Stage
While every activation brought something special, one of our favorite parts of the week was spending time together at the Kendall Cabana. It became a place where our employees, friends, and families could relax, enjoy great music, and make memories together after months of planning and preparation.
None of this would have been possible without the amazing Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo staff, the incredible artists who took the stage each night, our dedicated Kendall team members who brought energy to every activation, and our Central Oregon community who showed up in such a big way.
Thank you for making the 2026 Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series and the 106th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo an unforgettable celebration. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.
DAY ONE – SARA EVANS!
DAY TWO – TYLER HUBBARD
DAY THREE – JA RULE
DAY FOUR – CLAY WALKER
DAY FIVE – BANDA CARNAVAL
