With less than a month away, the Umatilla County Fair and Farm-City Pro Rodeo were previewed Tuesday evening during the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce’s Evening Mixer at the Bennett Botanical Gardens.
Despite the 100-degree temperature, guests stayed cool in the shade surrounded by some of the breath-taking scenery at the botanical gardens owned by Doug and Kris Bennett on Punkin Center Lane. The evening was hosted by Umatilla County Commissioner Dan Dorran. The band SevenMile performed during the evening, as well.
Fair Manager Angie McNalley gave an overview of what to expect during fair and rodeo week, Aug. 10-13.
Main Stage entertainment kicks off Wednesday night with Petty Fever, a Tom Petty tribute band. Thursday night will feature Home Free, a country a capella group. Friday night will be Latino Night with a five-band lineup. The final night of the fair will feature Nashville singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd.
McNalley said fair tickets are on sale now and children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.
Carnival wristbands are now being pre-sold for $28 and will cost $35 at the fair. Parking passes can also be purchased ahead of time. The fair’s kick-off parade will be Saturday, Aug. 6. The Fun at the Fair Camp will return for young children.
McNalley said last year’s fair was a little light on food vendors but promised this year they would be “back in full force.” She also noted that the livestock auction will be livestreamed during the event.
Farm-City Board member Jon Gill gave a preview of the 34th annual rodeo that will feature a new event – break-away roping.
“It’s probably the fastest-growing event in rodeo going on now,” said Gill. The prize money per event has increased to $20,000 with a total estimated payout of $350,000.
“We only had dreams of $20,000 added years ago,” he said. “It’s a big accomplishment.” Gill said the total payout should secure Farm-City Pro Rodeo’s spot in the top 20 rodeos in the country – out of around 600 total rodeos.
Also new this year will be a second announcer, Garrett Yerigan, who will work with longtime announcer Randy Corley.
“We’ve gotten big enough with enough contestants that we felt it was time for a second announcer,” said Gill.
Gill said the rodeo will be televised live on the Cowboy Channel.
For more information on the fair, visit its website. More information on the rodeo can also be found on the Farm-City website.
