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
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5
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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