The Umatilla County Fair held its Appreciation Dinner recently and unveiled “New Faces, New Places & Old Friends” as the theme for the 2017 fair.
The fair theme artwork was created by Taylor Holwegner of Hermiston.
Lou Lyons of Elmer’s Irrigation in Hermiston was named the 2017 Grand Marshal.
Cyndie Driscoll was introduced as the Umatilla County Fair’s new Sponsorship & Activities Director.
Members of the fair board thanked all of the 2016 sponsors, current and previous fair superintendents, previous volunteer award winners, past grand marshals, past board members, past fair court members, ambassadors, chaperones and all those who have volunteered or contributed to their fair.
The event was held at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center, home of the new Umatilla County Fairgrounds.
Alice Newman and Warren Smith, both of Hermiston, were honored as 2016 Volunteers of the Year. The Business Partnership Award was given to Shelco Electric of Hermiston.
The Fair Court – Princess Karolyn Jones of Pendleton, Princess Kira Krumbah-Kuhar of Milton-Freewater and Princess NaNessa Prewitt of Hermiston – were introduced as was Court Chaperone Alice Newman.
During the dinner, the Umatilla County Fair Livestock Committee was honored for receiving the Oregon State University Extension Service Cooperator award at the annual OSU Extension Service Conference in November at OSU. The award is given for the Livestock Committee’s leadership, volunteerism and support of the youth programs within 4-H and FRFA.
It was also announced that the 2017 fair headline entertainers will be unveiled on March 1 with tickets going on sale in May.
