Hermiston FFA will host the 2012 Oregon FFA State Convention in Hermiston on March 23-26. Planning for the event, which will cost about $25,000 to host, is well underway, including a successful booth at the 2011 Umatilla County Fair. The booth attracted hundreds of people who signed up to enter a drawing for a 50-inch television donated by Hermiston Sears. Mary Shafer won the drawing.

The convention will bring more than 2,500 FFA members, teachers, parents and guests to Hermiston, as well as approximately $150,000 in revenue to the community.

During the fair, 124 people signed up to volunteer at the convention, donate funds or become members of the Hermiston FFA Alumni. Anyone interested in helping with the convention can contact Sam Herringshaw, FFA advisor, at 541-667-6100.