20
AUG. 10�17, 2022
FESTIVALS
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS
AROUND EASTERN OREGON
Morrow County Fair features bountiful food and fun
By Tammy Malgesini
Go! Magazine
HEPPNER — The Morrow County Fair
is gearing up for a fantastic year, Fair
Secretary Ann Jones said. The four-day
event gets underway Wednesday, Aug.
17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Morrow
County Fairgrounds, 74473 Highway 74.
This year’s event, Jones said, is extra
special. Held on the fi nal two days of the
fair, the Oregon Trail Pro Rodeo is cele-
brating its centennial.
The 2022 fair theme — The Bounty of
our County — highlights the region’s rich
agricultural history, as well as showcas-
es the talents of the region’s adults and
youths. Jones said 4-H and FFA, in partic-
ular, help in developing interests, personal
growth and leadership skills.
“I think it’s important as adults to sup-
port that,” she said. “Working on projects
gives kids drive and focus.”
However, that’s only one aspect of
the fair — there are lots of fun things to
do, including a parade (Aug. 20, 10 a.m.)
with many past royalty court members
expected, special dinners (Aug. 17-18,
7 p.m.) and the Kids’ Fun Zone (daily,
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). It features a mechanical
bull, an arcade room, face painting and a
balloon artist.
One of the fair’s most popular events,
Jones said, is an ice cream social (Aug. 18,
3 p.m.). With the Blue Mountain Old-Time
Fiddlers performing from 2:30-4:30 p.m.,
people can enjoy Tillamook ice cream
while listening to toe-tappin’ music.
Also, the fair wrangled in a couple of
female favorites. Jessie Leigh (Aug. 17,
7-10 p.m.) and Olivia Harms (Aug. 19,
1-3 p.m.), the daughter of Western Music
Hall of Fame member Joni Harms, are
both returning to the fair’s main stage.
“She’s just a bundle of energy,” Jones
said about Leigh. “She puts on a great
show.”
After trying to book Zac Grooms for
several years, the stars fi nally aligned.
Fairgoers will get a double-shot with
two performances (Aug. 20, noon and
Kelton Maxfi eld
of Nampa, Idaho,
hangs onto a
bronc in the
novice bareback
competition on
Aug. 21, 2021, at
the Oregon Trail
Pro Rodeo. Held
in conjunction
with the Morrow
County Fair,
the rodeo is
celebrating
its centennial
year Aug. 19-
20, 2022, in
Heppner.
EO Media Group,
File
5:30 p.m.). In addition to original songs,
Grooms plays a variety of country covers.
An Arlington native, Grooms is the
frontman for Brewer’s Grade Band. In
2018, the group reeled in the country band
of the year award from the International
Music and Entertainment Association.
If 2021’s record-breaking rodeo
crowds are any indication, the rodeo’s
centennial event (Aug. 19-20, 7 p.m.)
should bust out of the chutes. Come at
least 30 minutes early, get settled in your
seats and cheer on the kids in mutton
bustin’ contests.
After the nightly rodeo performanc-
es, Dan Burns 3D Productions will crank
things up with music, lights and fog. Peo-
ple can dance the night away, even if they
don’t attend the rodeo.
Also, visitors are encouraged to linger
a little longer. The Morrow County Jack-
pot Rodeo (Aug. 21, at 1 p.m.) features
local cowboys.
Rodeo tickets are $10 general, $6 ages
7-12 and free for ages 6 and under. For
tickets and additional information, visit
www.oregontrailprorodeo.com or call
541-256-0217.
Fair admission is free thanks to gate
sponsor Lamb Weston. For more about
the fair, including a full schedule, visit
www.co.morrow.or.us/fair. For questions,
call 541-676-9474.
We are Hiring!
Currently seeking qualified professionals that are passionate about
working with survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, and stalking. Open positions are listed on our website. www.unioncountysfs.org
Apply through our website on our ‘careers’ page,
or a cover letter and resume can be submitted at out office:
10901 Island City Ave, Island City
(541) 963-7226
Apply through our website on our ‘careers’ page,
or a cover letter and resume can be submitted at out office:
10901 Island City Ave, Island City
(541) 963-7226