Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Stilt walker Heather Pearl engages with a young fair-goer as a roving entertainer during the 2025 Umatilla County Fair at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center. Pearl returns for this year’s event Aug. 12-15, 2026, in Hermiston.
(Katie Skillman Photography/Umatilla County Fair)
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Hillia, aka Queen of the Rings, will be among the Les Schwab Stage and roving entertainers during the Umatilla County Fair Aug. 12-15, 2026, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston.
(Hillia Productions/Contributed Photo)
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Judges engage with participants during the 2019 Cutest Baby Contest at the Umatilla County Fair. This year’s event is Aug. 15, 2026, on the Les Schwab at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston.
(KOHU-KQFM/Contributed Photo)
HERMISTON — The Umatilla County Fair offers a variety of auxiliary entertainment Aug. 12-15 on its expansive outdoor grounds at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston.
Doug Bennett, an eight-year fair board director, said their goal is to create a fun atmosphere.
“We do have some of the nicest facilities in the state,” he said.
Fairgoers can participate in a variety of activities with no additional cost after paying admission at the gate. Adding to the fun are shows and contests on the Les Schwab Stage and roving entertainers, who engage with fair-goers while strolling along.
Who’s got the cutest baby?
The Cutest Baby Contest, which returns at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, has been a favored event since it began in the mid-1990s. A longtime tradition, it was even held virtually in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Before longstanding partner KOHU-KQFM announced its closure earlier this year, Beth Wheeler, fair coordinator, said the radio station’s co-owners, Cody and Angela Pursel, contacted her.
“They have been a staple at the fair for many years,” she said. “If there was an event they wanted to personally continue to be involved with, we wanted to provide them with that opportunity.”
Expressing a desire to enjoy this year’s fair as a spectator, Wheeler said Angela offered to provide training and support. The fair partnered with Good Shepherd Health Care System to ensure eligible babies can compete this year. Open to newborns to 18 months, register at The Next Chapter Bookstore, 1000 S. Highway 395, Suite C, in Hermiston.
Stilts, smiles and watermelon seeds
Whether on the stage or strolling the grounds, the goal of these professional entertainers is to put smiles on the faces of fair-goers.
Watch for a pair of men, including Peter Irish, who brings a variety of outstanding skills, such as juggling. And Skip Barns, of the Hollywood on Wheels Comedy Show, is known as the Balloon Man.
Funnywoman Heather Pearl returns this year with her magic, circus and comedy tricks — all while on stilts. Also, Hillia, aka the Queen of the Rings, brings high-energy fun. She’s known as a Hula Hoop extraordinaire who provides captivating performances.
Also, after being resurrected during the 2025 fair, the UCF Talent Show starts at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. Watch as your friends and neighbors across Umatilla County take the stage to share their talents while vying for cash prizes.
And of course, the fair wouldn’t be complete without the Walchli Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. Practice up with Hermiston’s famous fruit for a chance at spitting glory. Participants will compete in age categories at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
About Tammy Malgesini | East Oregonian
Tammy Malgesini has worked as a community reporter/columnist for Carpenter Media Group-EO since 2006. She earned a psychology/sociology degree from George Fox College. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys spending time with her husband and two German shepherds.
