Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 18, 1983)
Page 4 Special Fair & Rodeo Section County fair, rodeo and court change with the times Appointed committee makes changes for the better -v- i- . "S L 'ft ' V Marprte Clark, Morrow County's first rodeo queen, was selected by rodeo's organizers By MFRLYN ROBINSON Morrow Co. Fair Board Member Since the conception of the first Heppner Rodeo in 1922. the coun ty has been represented by a bevy of comely and accomplished equestrians who have been the reigning queens and courts. The prevailing years have seen many new ways, but the Main Street parade route remains a familiar trail that recalls many memo ries. This year's parade will be no exception, as it promises to be a large one. All the past courts have been invited to participate. The rodeo was first organized by Heppner businessmen, headed by L.V. Gentry, C.W. McNamer and C.H Latourell. It was es tablished at its present site, then known as Gentry Field. Bleach ers and a race track were built and the rodeo was held during the last weekend of September, fol lowing the Pendleton Roundup. The first queen, Marjorie Clark, was selected by the organ izers She was 12-years-old at the time Her attire, provided by the association, was a brown divided skirt riding habit with boots and hat. This outfit was handed down to succeeding queens. Riding habits for royalty changed less rapidly than other modes of fashion. By 1925. the queen's appearance was en hanced by the beautifully fringed white leather riding skirt with silk blouse and accessories. This style was worn with various adaptations until 1915 Sponsors to provide new awards for rodeo winners A new award has been added to this year's rodeo, engraved leather clocks. Each clock has a picture depicting the event in leather. The clock itself is above the picture with the name of the sponsor appearing below the pic ture. The trophy clock is all on an 11 by 26 inch frame. You can see the clocks dis played at the following busines ses in Heppner: Court Street Market and Court Street Proces sing. Bucknums Tavern, Wagon Wheel Cafe, Green Feed and Seed. Tri-County Seed Cleaning, Pettyjohn's Farm and Building Supply. Heppner Bowl, Central Market, Cal's Arco, Les Schwab, Pig Iron. Shoe Box and at Miller and Sons Welding. In Lexington, look at Del's Market and Lexing ton Lumber. In lone, they can be seen at Swanson Insurance, Rietmann's Hardware, Beecher's Cafe, Bristow's Mar ket and Paul Pettyjohn will also have some clocks. In Boardman, the trophies are at the Dodge City Inn. Boardman Pharmacy and Hardware and at Inland Empire Bank. Kenny's Farm Market will also have one on display in Irrigon. Following a three-yenr period during World War II, when the rodeo was hot held, the queens appeared in white shirt and pants, with princesses arrayed in different colors each year. In 19ti5. the suit jackets were added and polyester fabrics made the wearing and upkeep of outfits much more practical Through the years of Heppner rodeos, selection of the courts has also varied. At first, the girls were selected by the rodeo board letter, the granges sponsored a girl from each area of the county. For a time, the summer rodeo dances determined the queen's selection Each jitney dance ticket was good for a vote, and the girl with the most voles became queen. Following that, the girls continued to be selected from different areas and the queen was selected from former princesses. The rodeo board in later years sponsored the entire court and try-outs for princesses became the determining factor. At the present time, court mem bers are selected not only for their riding skill, but also for speaking ability and poise. A queen's scholarship is given to Ik1 used for further education. In the early days, the courts seldom got beyond the city limits, so to speak. The present courts travel toother towns and places for parades, luncheons, radio interviews and other engage ments. Tlie court members make many contacts and create lasting impressions as representatives for the fair and rodeo. The girls do much to publicize an event that Morrow County can rightly be proud erf. The fair and rodeo activities are the highlight of the county, made possible by the combined efforts of hometown folks all working together follow ing a familiar, but ever-changing trail. By participating in the fair and rodeo, one can enjoy the results of a terrific county-wide effort. Our county and our courts have come a long way. Come and enjoy the Morrow County Fair and Rodeo. MO"TILL oil ILL FOE SALE OH RENT Prototype Rental Unit Available n 5 '''''' ''jjvlp iiii n'iiXii' mium '2 Welcome to the 1983 Fair & Rodeo Miller & Sons Welding Heppner 676-9613 Earlier this year the fair board appointed a special committee lo make recommendations for changes. The results are more space and lietter background for photography and arts; a demon stration kitchen area between the two exhibit halls which will he utilized by agricultural demon strations; an expanded flower show which will flow into a larger agricultural exhibit which will include horticulture One row of booths have lieen removed, so those utilized prom ise to be top quality exhibits More display area has been provided in the children's and teen's urea A special feature this year, courtesy of the garden clubs, will tx a covered exhibit area outside for pot ted flowers, and a pleasant spot to stop and rest awhile. This urea will also he the site of the popular 4 H Fashion Revue on Monday night. Interest is high in County Fair this year, with a number of pre fair meetings held to plan and prepare for an improved event. A carnival will le part of the action scene, as well as the usual 4 II. F FA and open class events, The Fair Hoard. Fair Commit tee, all superintendents and the Kxtension Staff invite everyone to come enjoy the new ideas and the old! Be a part of the fair; bring your exhibit and be invol ved The lOMfair promises more things to see and more things to do! Bon McDonald f ASH 676-9108 Ifj- GOOD LUCK! To All 4-H & FFA m Participants at the 1983 Morrow County Fair We Will Be Cloned Saturday, Aug. 27 Episcopal Church Barbecue An Annual Tradition For Fair ALL SAINTS' CHURCH LAWN SATURDAY, AUG. 28 5-7 p.m. MENU BBQBEEF BAKED POTATOES BEANS BREAD SALADS ICECREAM 2 $7 ADULTS $6 SENIORS aoso CHILDREN UNDER 12 J
