In 2006, responsibility for running the fair was delegated to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, and the division is now known as the Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center (OSFEC), which holds events on the fairgrounds year-round.

A group of farmers known as the Oregon Fruitgrowers Association organized the first unofficial state fair in 1858.

[1] In 1860, the association merged with other county groups and became the Oregon State Agricultural Society, who held the first official fair in 1861 in the Gladstone/Oregon City area.

It was felt a larger area was needed and following a proposal by the Marion County Agriculture Society, the second official state fair was held in Salem in 1862 on the grounds of the Marion County Fair, where it has remained ever since.

The grove was used as a camping and gathering place by the area's original inhabitants, the Kalapuya, who collected acorns and camas there.

Through the years the fair has showcased Oregon crops and livestock, arts, and culture, and has hosted many food booths and vendors as well as judging competitions, horse racing and popular entertainers.

[1] The pavilion and parking replaced a badly deteriorated grandstand that was built in 1929, and the horse racing track.

The Salem Armory Auditorium is located on a corner of the fairgrounds site, but is not affiliated with the State Fair.