QUICK TAKES A BRIEF LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EASTERN OREGON SIDE A-LLEY CONCERT FEATURES RUSSELL JAMES questions, call 541-351-9506 or 541- 384-4139. LA GRANDE — Side A Brewing wel- comes Russell James on Friday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m. This part of the brewpub’s Side A-lley concert series. James began playing music at a young age, and played with the band The Porter Draw while living in Albuquerque, New Mex- ico. He’s been solo for the last six years. In 2016, he spent a month as the artist-in-residence at Big Bend National Park in Texas. He was encouraged to “hike around, notice things, and be inspired.” To learn more about the musician, visit www.russelljamesmusic.net or follow him on Instagram (@autism.songs). NICOLE FRESHLEY CLOSES SHOW AT ACE GILLIAM COUNTY FAIR MOO-VES FORWARD CONDON — The Gilliam County Fair is “Looking Forward, Moving Forward” during Labor Day weekend at the Gilliam County Fairgrounds. Youth 4-H and FFA projects take cen- ter stage throughout the event, beginning with presentations on Thursday, Sept. 1, 8 a.m. and closing out Saturday, Sept. 3, 5 p.m. with the livestock auction. Highlights on Friday, Sept. 2 include a dog show at 1 p.m. Then it’s time to giddy up at 2 p.m. — from peewees to adults, arena events feature pole bending, barrel John Ellison/Contributed Photo Russell James plays at Side A Brewing Friday, Sept. 2. racing, keyhole races, egg races, team branding, team sorting and team roping. The Big River Pizza Beer Garden fl ows Friday, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. The Condon Artisan Market runs Sat- urday, 4-7 p.m. And bring your dancing shoes — live music cranks up at 7 p.m. For a full schedule, visit www.co.gil- liam.or.us/government/fairgrounds. For LA GRANDE — Current art shows at Art Center East close with a reception Friday, Sept. 2, 6-8 p.m. Nicole Freshley’s show is titled “Tide- line to Alpine.” Raffl e tickets for a chance to win a Freshley work will be available through the exhibit’s closing reception and proceeds benefi t the ACE Gallery Program. The raffl e winner will be an- nounced Saturday, Sept. 3. The Orlaske Gallery features the Sue Orlaske Retrospective to honor the late Sue Orlaske, longtime studio artist and Union County community member. She is the namesake of the gallery, offi cially dedicated at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1. ACE, 1006 Penn Ave., is regularly open noon-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits can be viewed online at artcentereast.org. LEARN HOW TO MAKE JAMS, JELLIES AND FRUIT SPREADS ELGIN — The Rockwall Grange is having a class to learn how to make jams, jellies and fruit spreads on Thursday, Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 71562 Middle Road. The presenter will be Robin Maille, associate professor, OSU 9 AUG. 31�SEPT. 7 Extension Service of Union County. Those interested are asked to regis- ter — so materials can be prepared — by calling 541-910-3349 or 541-437-5915. LABOR DAY SPECTACULAR REVS UP IN HERMISTON HERMISTON — Racing action returns to Hermiston for the Labor Day Spectacular. The two-day event is Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4. The gates open both days at 4 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m. at Hermiston Raceway, 81236 N. Highway 395. Day 1 gears up with Oregon’s Speed- week, Betteral 100 Pro Lates and Inland Sprints. And Day 2 brings the Atomic 125 Northwest Super Late Model Series, the Inex Regional Qualifi er and Bettarel Hobby Stocks. Day 1 tickets are $20/general admis- sion, $15/teens, $12/children, $17/special (seniors, military, veterans) or $60/family pass (two adults, three kids). Day 2 tickets are $25/general, $17/teens, $12/children, $20/special, $70/family. And two-day com- bo passes are $40/general, $28/teens, $20/children, $35/special, $100/family In addition, Speedy’s Grill off ers a vari- ety of food and beverages. Advance tickets are available via www. hermistonraceway.com. For questions, contact 509-845-5510 or info@hermis- tonraceway.com. Eagle Cap Excursion Train “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Ride the train with performers from the Opera House Shakespeare Company! Meet and interact with some of the world’s most famous characters, September 10 & 17 “...such stuff as dreams are made on...“