by The 2025 Umatilla County Fair promises four days of vibrant activity, entertainment, and community celebration from August 6 to 9 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston. Themed “Cowbells & Carousels,” this year’s fair will bring together music, animals, carnival rides, and classic fair food. Coinciding with the fair is the much-anticipated Farm-City Pro Rodeo, now in its 37th year.
Parade Kicks Off Festivities
The festivities begin early with a colorful kick-off parade on Saturday, August 2, at 6:30 p.m., starting near Hermiston High School. Over 100 entries will make their way along Highway 395 into the heart of downtown Hermiston, setting the tone for the fair’s energetic spirit.
Fair Hours and Admission
The fairgrounds will be open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight, closing at 1 a.m. on the final night. Daily admission is priced at $12 for those aged 11 and older, while children aged 10 and under can enjoy the event for free.
A Feast for the Senses
Fair coordinator Beth Wheeler emphasized that this year’s event is designed to engage all five senses, particularly through its musical lineup. “It’s an added factor that elevates any event,” Wheeler said. “It feeds your soul.”
Main stage concerts will begin at 9 p.m. each night with performances by Waylon Wyatt (August 6), Chase Matthew (August 7), and Better Than Ezra (August 8). Latino Night on August 9 will begin at 7 p.m. and feature six bands curated by Moises Lopez of Limitless Multimedia Production in partnership with veteran fair board director Doug Bennett. Concert seating in the bleachers is free with fair admission, but premium tickets range from $15–$25, with Latino Night tickets priced at $50.
To keep the music going, the Barley Barn will offer DJ sets and dancing before and after each concert. Meanwhile, Two Wolves Media Group will host performances each evening at 7 p.m., featuring musicians such as Scotty Wilson, Ty Lane, Randy Woody, and Cory Peterson.
Midway Attractions and Magical Entertainment
The fair’s midway will buzz with activity, including food stalls, commercial vendors, and games. Attractions such as Knockerball Tri-Cities, Red Dot Paintball, and Bobble Bay will provide interactive entertainment for all ages.
Roving performers and scheduled shows on the Les Schwab Stage will enhance the fair atmosphere. Featured acts include Cooper Hennings and his Wagon of Whimsy, cowboy comedian and trick roper Leapin’ Louie, physical comedian Bill Robinson, and stilt walker Heather Pearl.
Animal lovers will be thrilled by J.D. Platt’s K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, presented daily at noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. These high-energy canines will show off their frisbee-catching skills and mingle with fans afterward.
Celebrating Youth and Agriculture
Visitors are encouraged to explore the animal barns, where 4-H and FFA members will showcase their hard work with livestock and agricultural projects. The 4-H/FFA livestock auction will take place at 10 a.m. on August 9 in the Burns Pavilion.
Farm-City Pro Rodeo Brings High Stakes Action
Since its founding in 1988 by Dave Bothum and Butch Knowles, the Farm-City Pro Rodeo has been a beloved fixture of the region. This year, the event raises the bar by doubling the purse to $50,000 per event, making it one of the top 15 highest-paying rodeos in the PRCA circuit according to USCowboy.com.
“We’ve always been a rodeo produced by cowboys for cowboys,” said Bothum. “This year we are making big moves to attract the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country.”
Announcers Steve Kenyon and Garrett Yerigan will call the rodeo action, with nightly performances beginning at 7:45 p.m. and featuring events such as barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, and saddle bronc riding. Each evening will open with a performance by the “Farm-City Ladies.”
General admission to the rodeo is $20, while reserved seating is $25. Family Night offers a special $5 admission for children aged 12 and under. Young rodeo fans can also enjoy kid-focused activities like face painting, dummy roping contests, and the chance to meet rodeo clowns and bullfighters.
For adults, the action doesn’t end when the last bull bucks. Chute 8 will host music and dancing with Dan Burns 3-D Productions for those aged 21 and older.
A Celebration for Everyone
The 2025 Umatilla County Fair and Farm-City Pro Rodeo promise unforgettable experiences for families, music lovers, rodeo fans, and community members alike. With its blend of tradition, entertainment, and cultural celebration, this event continues to be a highlight of the Eastern Oregon summer.
