The Umatilla County Fair Court is returning after a two-year absence.
The Umatilla County Fair Board of Directors announced Tuesday that the fair court will return for 2014 and is currently seeking applicants. The fair had gone to an Ambassador program the past two years. Applicants for the 2014 Fair Court must currently be in the 10th, 11th or 12th grades and presently enrolled in school or home school. In addition, the applicant must be a Umatilla County resident. Applications are available at the Fair Office and on the Umatilla County Fair website.
And while the fair court is returning, there will be a major change – court members will no longer need equine experience. Applicants for the 2014 court will be expected to prepare and present a speech (3-5 minutes in length) describing their interest in serving as an ambassador for the Umatilla County Fair and Umatilla County in general and their personal knowledge of the fair, 4-H and FFA programs.
“This is a great opportunity for young women to represent Umatilla County not only during the week of fair in August, but at parades and other functions throughout Eastern Oregon and Washington in 2014, should they be selected as a member of the court,” said Umatilla County Fair Manager Peggy Anderson.
The court program requires the need for a Court Chaperone to mentor and guide the three- to five-member court throughout the year. Chaperone duties require attendance at all parades and multiple community events. These events and related planning, typically begin in February with an increasing time commitment as the fair dates draw closer. All efforts are made to schedule events on weekends, but occasional evening and weekday commitments are necessary. All applicants must pass a background check.
Applications for a Fair Court and Fair Court Chaperone are available at the Umatilla County Fair Office and on the Umatilla County Fair website. Fair Court applications can also be obtained at all Umatilla County high schools and 4H Extension Offices. Applications are due to the fair office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013. Late applications will not be considered. Applicants must include letters of reference, and a photograph with completed application. Fair staff will contact all accepted applicants and interviews will be scheduled.
For additional information please contact the Fair Office at (541) 567-6121 or (800) 700-FAIR, or email the fair at fair@umatillacounty.net.
