“FunFest” of activity awaits Hermiston on July 10

Published 10:12 am Wednesday, July 7, 2010

No one will be stuck at home this Saturday.

The fifth annual Hermiston FunFest could be one for the ages, all ages to be matter of fact.

The event has doubled in size from being just on Main Street to now having activities in the Umatilla County Fairgrounds on West Orchard Avenue, on Third Street and on Hurlburt Avenue.

“It’s gone from a kids’ event to one that appeals to everyone of all ages,” said Brooke Harshfield, Hermiston Chamber of Commerce office manager.

There are other things happening as well from Hermiston’s Own Saturday Market, Agape House’s Lavender Festival, at Purple Ridge Lavender Farm on Bridge Road in Hermiston, to the Classic Car Show and the 4-H Summer Fun Dog Show at the Fairgrounds.

For Hermiston FunFest, though, the fun starts at 7 a.m. in Newport Park with registration for the FunFest 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Mile, which starts at 8 a.m.

Cost to register is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Families can register for $30 for the first three household members with $15 charged for every additional member over the age of 12.

Proceeds will go to the Hermiston High School Cross Country program.

Debbie Pedro, Hermiston Chamber of Commerce executive director said there are still T-shirts available for participants who sign-up race day.

If you’re interested in a nice breakfast, the Hermiston Rotary Club will have their annual FunFest breakfast from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in front of the FunFest Main Stage on Main Street.

“It’s a cowboy breakfast, the Rotarians will serve pancakes and sausage, which is fit for any cowboy or cowgirl,” Harshfield said.

Following the breakfast, the action on Main Street and down at the fairgrounds picks up, with the a variety of activities from the always popular Teddy Bear Parade to the Lawn Mower Races.

The Teddy Bear Parade starts at Sherrell Chevrolet, 296 E. Main St., and ends at Hermiston City Hall, 180 N.E. Second St.

“We always look forward to seeing the different costumes the kids wear, or the stuffed animals they’ll bring,” Pedro said. “Some just bring every one they have.”

Harshfield said the dunk tank at 8:30 a.m. should be a great attraction for kids, as Hermiston Police Officers, such as Lt. Tim Beinert, and Hermiston School District administrators, such as athletic director Mike Kay, have volunteered to be sent into the drink.

There will also be live music from local artists, such as John Wambeke and special guest and FunFest finale concert performer, Chance McKinney, Country Music Television: Music City Madness No. 1 Unsigned singer and songwriter.

McKinney will perform at 8 p.m. on the big stage at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds, after the local band Wheat Town finishes at 7 p.m.

“McKinney is definitely a rising star. He’s been opening for Blake Shelton and several other stars,” Harshfield said.

All concerts are free to the public, and a beer garden will also be open.

FunFest will also feature some new things this year, such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry which will have an exhibit at the Fairgrounds from 2-8 p.m., and an Antique Farm Equipment show on Third Street and Hurlburt Avenue.

“The idea is to have something for everyone because we have a lot of people of different ages who come,” Harshfield said.

For more information, call the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at 541-567-6151, or for a complete schedule of activities, go to www.hermistonchamber.com, and click on the event calendar.

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