10 | 2021 Umatilla County Fair & Farm City Pro Rodeo | East Oregonian & Hermiston Herald
Side entertainment
off ers something for everyone
By TAMMY MALGESINI
EO Media Group
Hart
Keene
Jeremiah
Johnston
S
everal familiar side entertainment acts are returning
to the 2021 Umatilla County Fair. Fair Director Angie
McNalley said it’s a juggling act bringing back fan
favorites and fi nding new acts to wow the crowds.
“We have the unique challenge to try to attract fair
patrons of all ages,” she said. “You can’t just have some-
thing for little kids because it’s not fun for the teens,
‘tweens and adults.”
That said, McNalley is excited to have Ride Hard Enter-
tainment returning to the fairgrounds. In addition to daily
mutton bustin’ shows, fairgoers can sidle up to roping dum-
mies and a mechanical bull to show off their skills. Also,
people can pose for photos with the Legendary Longhorns.
“The mutton bustin’, which is diff erent from what the
rodeo does, is an attraction on the fair side that’s a big hit
every time that we’ve ever had them,” McNalley said.
Fairgoers will have several variety shows they won’t
want to miss, including Leapin’ Louie, Mz. Pearl and Jer-
emiah Johnston, who have all been at the Umatilla County
Fair previously. Each off ers quality entertainment and adds
to the fair experience, McNalley said.
Leapin’ Louie dazzles the crowd with world-class lasso
and whip tricks, juggling, a high unicycle and other stunts.
Mz. Pearl has been referred to as a “one-woman comedy
circus act,” complete with a clown getup, stilt walking and
dancing. Jeremiah Johnston, who holds two medals in the
juggling world championships, off ers a fast-action and daz-
zling display of artistry featuring everything from LED
lights and fi re to machetes and crystal ball illusions.
New to the Umatilla County Fair this year is Hart Keene
with an act featuring magic and comedy. The audience gets
in on the act as Keene interacts with the crowd while dis-
playing feats of mentalism and illusion, mixed in with lots
of laughs.
Also, McNalley said the entertainment isn’t always
maintained within the confi nes of the stage areas. Don’t be
surprised to run into fair entertainers strolling the grounds.
“If you are walking along or look bored, Mz. Pearl with
her red nose might jump out and interact with you,” McNal-
ley said with a laugh.
In addition, McNalley said there are a variety of vendors
and attractions that add to the fair experience. She encour-
aged people to stroll the midway and beyond to take in such
activities as knockerball, laser tag, virtual reality and more.
“We have lots of other attractions — a little something
for everyone,” McNalley said.
Mz.
Pearl
Leapin’
Louie
Mutton
bustin’
Legendary
Longhorns
Photos contributed by: Hart Keene, Jeremiah Johnston, Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show, Leapin’ Louie and Ride Hard Entertainment