SALEM, OR — The Oregon State Fair officially begins Friday in Salem, featuring old favorites and a few new ones. Livestock events have already started and the State Fair’s Drew Marine says the Beef Show is always impressive, “There are nine and 10 year olds that might not even weigh 75 pounds, and they’re controlling an animal that weighs over a thousand pounds.” Because of the ongoing risk of bird flu in both waterfowl and cattle, she says those animals must be tested before they’re allowed in the fairgrounds. They’re also following other Oregon Department of Agriculture guidelines, “Posting signage that encourages handwashing after people leave the animal areas, just to be sure, and having hand washing stations, as well.”