Organizers are plowing ahead with the second annual Farm City Ag & Home Expo on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center. There is no admission fee.
Presented by the Hermiston Herald, the Oregon State University Extension Service and EOTEC, last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 700 visitors — exceeding expectations by more than 200 people. Karrine Brogoitti, EO Media Group regional revenue director, said the 2023 turnout indicates strong community interest and support.
“It validates the organizers’ hard work and dedication,” she said. “It also bodes well for future events, as it suggests potential for continued growth and engagement.”
The event kicks off with Ag & Youth Day on Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And it continues with Family Day on Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities are indoors and outdoors at EOTEC, 1701 E. Airport Road, Hermiston.
Angel Aguilar, EO Media Group territory sales manager, said in addition to a variety of classes, activities and demonstrations, more than two dozen vendors are lined up. He said each will showcase products and services, including Just Rum, who offered liquor tastings during last year’s event.
Also, food and beverage vendors include Human Bean Hermiston, 3rd Generation BBQ and Mari’s La Pasadita. In addition, Aguilar said the Lamb Weston “fry truck” will provide a variety of free piping-hot potato products.
Building on the success of the inaugural expo, Brogoitti said they hope to further solidify its appeal “as a must-attend event for the community and beyond.” Utilizing feedback, organizers looked at ways to expand its offerings to meet the interests of attendees.
“In essence, the success of the event hinges on the collective efforts and synergy of the partnering organizations,” she said.
Aguilar said one of the changes this year is expanding opportunities to include youths. Students from Hermiston and Umatilla will attend courses on nutrition and showmanship on sheep, goats and hogs. The sessions, which are Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., are presented by Northwest Farm Supply and Purina. Also, Progressive Ag is teaming up with 4-H to offer interactive safety courses and demonstrations Saturday from 9-11 a.m.
In addition, Aguilar said representatives from the Oregon Human Development Corporation will host sessions on Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to discuss its programs. Topics include obtaining a commercial driver’s license, scholarship opportunities and career advancement.
“Jose Flores and his team are coming to talk about what they offer to the community,” Aguilar said. “They primarily serve farmworkers and underserved communities.”
Family Day features exciting activities
Prepare to be greeted by puppy dog eyes, meows and wagging tails Saturday from 9-11 a.m. Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter and Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue, Aguilar said, are hosting a pet adoption event. Stop in to meet potential pets and learn how you can adopt them into your pack.
Also, from 9-11 a.m., Progressive Ag is teaming up with 4-H members to offer interactive safety courses and demonstrations. Youths can participate in activities that are both fun and educational.
For a challenge, join the hay bale toss presented by Hermiston FFA from 10 a.m. to noon. Top participants win bragging rights and coffee shop gift cards.
If that’s not your cup of tea, hoof it over to catch caballos bailando. Feeling the beat, the dancing horses will clip clop, high step, sway, majestically trot in place and perform pirouettes to the music of DJ Moy.
And for home improvement ideas, catch a class or demonstration about window coverings, the ins and outs of home mortgages, and well recommendations, including safety and water quality. Also, Karen Wagner will offer a pair of “Cooking on a Budget” sessions.
The collaborative effort, Brogoitti said, has been essential in planning the event — from identifying its strengths to figuring out ways for improvement.
Brainstorming, Aguilar agreed, is key in assuring potential inclement weather won’t wipe out activities.
“This year, all the activities are set to happen,” he said. “We have planned to accommodate any change in weather.”
For questions, call 541-564-4531.
