The Wasco County Fair and Rodeo has been named an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Wasco County Fair is one of 10 events that have been designated. Others include the Oregon State Fair, the Pendleton Round-Up, the Astoria Regatta and the Linn County Pioneer Picnic. The Wasco County Fair began in 1885 in The Dalles. The first fair at Tygh Valley started in 1913 as a picnic, but grew into a type of rodeo with passed-the-hat prize money and horse races. W. E. Hunt, who owned the Tygh Valley fair property, donated it to the county for permanent use as a fairground. An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state.