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It’s time to put on the blue jeans and boots and head on out to take part in a local tradition. The 102nd annual Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, the oldest continuously running show and rodeo in the Northwest, is under way in Union.
The livestock show began earlier this week. The queen’s coronation is tonight at 7, the parade is Friday at 2 p.m. and the livestock auction is Saturday at 8 a.m. Rodeo and parimutuel horse racing get under way Friday at 4 p.m. Additional performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The stock show is — and has been — Union’s showcase for more than a century. But the fact is, the show is truly a regional event. People from throughout the region are involved on the EOLS board. Youth from throughout Northeast Oregon compete in the 4-H and FFA competitions. And the rodeo, the first leg of the annual Harley Tucker Memorial Award, draws contestants from far and near.
Plus, there’s nowhere else in the region where people can go to play and watch the ponies. What with the rodeo events and horse racing, there’s never a dull moment at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show.
Be sure to sign up as a prospective buyer for Saturday’s livestock auction, when the 4-H and FFA participants sell their animals to help recoup some of the investments they made with their projects this year. The auction provides an opportunity to buy quality beef, hog, lamb and, new this year, goat at reasonable prices. If you can’t be there but still want to contribute, just let the EOLS officials know and they’ll do the bidding for you.
Way to go, Bobcat baseball and softball
Congratulations to Union softball and baseball teams for both making it to this year’s Class 2A-1A state finals. It’s a great tribute to these strong program, their coaches and dedicated athletes to rise to this pinnacle of success. While neither team won the state title game, both showed a lot of character, class and determination along the way.
Coach Greg Poor’s baseball team wound up the year with a 21-2 record. A lot of other teams would have loved to be in their shoes.
Coach Paul Phillips’ softball team likewise played tough and had great heart. The players showed a lot of talent and character.
Way to go, Bobcats, on seasons that made your town and this whole region proud.
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Opinion 
