Organizers and volunteers remind everyone about upcoming deadlines for the 2024 Umatilla County Fair. Participants must submit open class exhibit forms, parade registration and camping reservations by July 15 at 5 p.m.
All Umatilla County residents are invited to share their talents in the open class division. Entry categories include everything from clothing and creative arts to flowers and photography. Also, people are encouraged to get creative with special category entries that reflect the fair theme — A Blue Ribbon Future.
Exhibitors have plenty of time to put the finishing touches on their projects — items will be accepted on Aug. 4. Preregistered entries are eligible for display, judging and fair premium payouts. Also, exhibitors can purchase a discounted season pass for $25.
The Umatilla County Fair Kick-Off Parade is set to roll on Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m. on a new parade route in Hermiston. While there is no entry fee, participants must register in advance. Awards will be given.
The new route came at the request of the Hermiston Police Department to improve safety for the parade.
According to the announcement from the fair, HPD expressed concerns regarding the number of officers needed to safely cover the necessary traffic zones during the parade. The new route reduces the number of officers needed by half, which will free up other officers to cover their regular areas throughout the city and cut down on the number of officers workings strictly on overtime.
According to the map of the new route, the parade will start on West Highland Avenue near Hermiston High School, turn north onto South First Street/Highway 395, turn east on Main Street, north again on Northeast Third Street, then west onto Gladys Avenue and end at Ruty’s Restaurant, 130 W. Hermiston Ave.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston in a statement said with the department’s staff levels for the last three years, it was time to change the route.
“Nobody likes change and we get it,” according to Edmiston, “but no cop enjoys responding to avoidable crashes where children are injured.”
Also, Davis Shows Northwest is returning with all your favorite carnival rides. A $10 discount is offered for one-day unlimited ride wristbands online, at the fair office or Velasco Used Car Sales, Hermiston. The presale ends at noon on Aug. 6.
The 2024 Umatilla County Fair is Aug. 7-10 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road, Hermiston. Daily admission is $12 and free for ages 10 and under. Season passes and parking permits are also available for purchase.
To view the UCF Exhibitors Guide, access open class entry forms, register for the parade or purchase tickets, visit www.umatillacountyfair.net or stop by the fair office at EOTEC. For questions, call 541-567-6121 or email fair@umatillacounty.gov.
