Ann Terry Hill
Saddle Up Partners! Don your cowboy hats, boots and blue jeans and head east to Pendleton for the Cattle Barons Weekend, May 7-9. A easy 3-1/2 hour freeway drive from Portland on I-84 and you’re right in the center of this authentic Western town. Or maximize your time and fly- 55 minutes Portland/Pendleton on SeaPort Air.
No, you don’t have to own a herd of cattle or a horse to enjoy the festivities planned for the weekend. Although who knows, you might come home with a world-class horse, a piece of fine art, or a treasure from the Western Trade Show. Music, BBQ, kids events, and a Quick Draw Shooting contest are just a few of the goings on. Your weekend will be full and a complete opposite from your city life in Portland and surrounding suburbs. Just the get-away you’ve been looking for this Spring.
Pat Beard, Chairman of the Cattle Barons Weekend says “it is all about ranching and western heritage of the Pendleton area. But we are able to enjoy the updated version. Visitors will be able to sample great food,see great horses and horsemen, all the things that made this area a Western frontier on the Oregon Trail.”
‘In The Company of Cowgirls’ the juried art show held in the Cattle Baron’s Ballroom at Hamley & Co. Steakhouse, is in itself enough to make the trek to Pendleton. Artists from as far away as Maryland, Texas and Montana are participating, with all mediums of art represented. Most of the artists have experienced ranch life so their art work is authentically represented. There is a special Artist’s Reception the evening of May 6. Meet the artists, preview the invitational show and enjoy the live music of Juni Fisher, balladeer, song writer, entertainer and Western Heritage Songwriter Award Winner. Finger food will be provided by the Umatilla Cattle Womens Assn. All this for just $20 p.p.
Enjoy the free BBQ cookoff, then strap on your pistols for an Oregon Quick Draw Shooting competition. Entry fee $5.00. Gun slingers—pistols will be provide by the Quick Draw Shooting Committee---leave your own guns at home. $5.00 to enter. The North American Stock Saddle Bronc Championship, $10 to watch, is a crowd pleaser. Kids from surrounding ranches that have been working stock all week, come to town on the weekend to show of their riding skills on some very wild broncs and on the same saddles they have used all week. It is a great Western event and very fun to watch. Team branding is another entertaining spectator event. 10 teams of 4 each paint brands on calves. Best paint job wins. $5.00 to watch.
The world class horse sale features 30 geldings that are all gentle, sound and broke.
They have been carefully selected by Pat Beard, himself a noted horseman. Admission to the sale, on Saturday at 3 p.m. is free.
If you’re a shopper and want to get ahead for next Christmas, or need something for an upcoming birthday, the Western Trade Show at the Convention Center is open from 9 am, both Friday and Saturday and may hold the prize. Stock up on Western art, plus unique silver and leather objects at very competitive prices.
The weekend is filled with events kids will enjoy too. Mutton busting being the most favorite. Here’s the chance to give your child a taste of ‘cowboy or girl’ life.
For specific details go to www.cattlebarons.net and www.inthecompanyofcowgirls.com.
For City of Pendleton information go to www.pendletonchamber.com or
Call 800-547-8911.
GEISER GRAND HOTEL, Baker City, Kicks off SPRING!
By Barbara Sidway, Proprietor
DECADENT DELIGHTS Apr 24 Enjoy a dessert buffet and wine tasting from Eastern Oregon's winery, Gilstrap Brothers. Chef Pedro will showcase his craft in a stunning all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. Chocolate Fountains, Whiskey Bread Pudding, Key Lime Tartes, Crème Brulees, and much more. Saturday 8-10pm ($24 Desserts & Wine, $12 Just Desserts) 8-10PM
LOBSTER Apr 30 & May 1That's right, we're flyin' 'em in fresh from Maine. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat salads and side dishes. Pick your own 1 ¾ to 2 lb Lobster! Reservations, please; only so many make the flight, and when they're gone, they're gone! $34.99
LIVE MUSIC Jazz and favorite standards like "Desperado" will have you swooning with your partner. Is it Pink Martini? Can this be local talent? All ages welcome in the Swans Room.
MOTHERS DAY Chef carved Glazed Ham, Free Range Fresh Turkey & Angus Baron of Beef are the stars of this fest. Favorites include scalloped potatoes, spring chicken, broccoli quiche, salad bar and fruit. Two Chocolate Fountains, Pies, cakes, pastries, coffee and tea will complete this feast. Book a "Pamper Mom" package for May 9 and treat Mom to tons of goodies.
GHOST HUNTING Apr 24& May 22 Haunted Hotel? You've heard the legends and stories. Now find out for yourself! Join a team of paranormal investigators (members of the TAPS family) as they investigate the possibilities. Will the myth be debunked? Or spirits revealed? The team gathers at 9pm, experience continues until 2am
DINNER SPECIALS Choose from two wonderful Chef creations; at $9.99 a terrific value every night 4:30-6 Go to http://geisergrand.com/events to check out upcoming happenings.
With warm weather quickly approaching, there's no better time to get away. Great PACKAGE DEALS from $99 includes 18 holes of GOLF or Hells Canyon JET BOAT Tours, plus FAMILY SLUMBER PARTY, ROMANCE, PAMPER US! For reservations or more information call or reply to this email. Info@GeiserGrand.com 541 523 1889 Toll Free Reservations 888 434 7374
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