Wee bit o’ fun during St. Patrick’s Day

Tammy Malgesini

East Oregonian

Published on March 14, 2015 12:01AM

If you’re taking a look at the entertainment calendar for ideas on what to do this weekend, you don’t need to go any further than the first listing — the Wee Bit O’ Ireland Celebration.

Heppner during St. Patrick’s Day weekend is more than a wee bit o’ fun. And there’s truly something for everyone. In its 33rd year, organizers know how to roll out the green carpet.

When I first moved to the area, I thought Heppner’s celebration was full of raucous behavior and green beer. Although there may be a bit of that, the celebration is known for its variety of activities, including family-friendly fun. But don’t be surprised if you see a few leprechauns running around.

I’ve enjoyed watching the sheep dog trials and the Welly Toss — even trying my hand at launching a Wellington boot as far as I can. But, hands down, my favorite part of the festival is the KUMA Coffee “Hour.”

With KUMA radio host Tom Melton, Father Gerry Condon and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, the stories and blarney won’t get much better. Walden, who also will hold a town hall meeting at 8 a.m., has been a regular on the coffee hour.

The representative first attended Wee Bit O’ Ireland in the early to mid-90s as a way to reach out to an area he represented in the state Senate. In 2012 — the year he was honored as the event’s grand marshal — he told an East Oregonian reporter that he continues to come because he enjoys the event.

The coffee hour’s musical entertainment is top-notch with the Irish Singers on hand, as well as Joe Lindsay, who will sing the ever-popular “Grand Marshal Song.” For those who don’t know Lindsay, he’s known for his knack in writing songs about a person’s characteristics and personality as sort of a musical roast at events. The Irish Singers, whose members hail from across the region, have been performing at the festivities for more than two decades.

And you won’t want to miss the Irish Brogue Contest and a chance to win a fistful of cash.

The coffee hour, which is really 90 minutes, runs from 10-11:30 a.m. upstairs at the Heppner Elks Lodge. You’ll want to get there early, because it always draws a full house.

There are a couple of new activities I’m hoping to check out — the tour of Talking Rocks, which includes some history of the area, and the Hurling & Gaelic Football demonstration. Although they say no experience is necessary to participate, I’ll play it safe by staying in the stands.

During my first Wee Bit O’ Ireland Celebration, someone told me everyone’s Irish in Heppner over St. Paddy’s weekend — just be sure and add the O’ in front of your name.

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Melton, Miller provide dose of Round-Up spirit

09/17/2009

Melton, Miller provide dose of Round-Up spirit

By TAMMY MALGESINI

East Oregonian

I got a healthy dose of Round-Up spirit Saturday morning thanks to Tom Melton and Bob Miller, announcers for the Main Street Cowboys Dress-Up Parade.

You know how stores have Christmas things out and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet? Well, the newsroom is the same way. Before the Umatilla County Fair even began, we were already writing copy for the East Oregonian’s Round-Up magazine.

So, by the time the first horse gets ready to buck, my Round-Up spirit is nearly depleted.
Sometimes when looking at the coming events calendar it’s a tough call trying to decide what to cover for the weekend. However, after a quick glance early last week, I knew as the Saturday reporter I’d be hanging out on the streets of Pendleton for the Dress-Up Parade, often called the kick-off event for the Pendleton Round-Up.

Sure, everyone loves a parade, but as the week continued, I pondered how I should approach doing the story. Later in the week, I found out I also needed to take photos. Then on Friday, EO Managing Editor Skip Nichols asked me to take video footage.

It was this juggling act that prompted me to stake out a spot near the announcer’s table.
Having met the M & Ms a couple of years ago, I re-introduced myself to Melton and Miller, and then proceeded to set up my temporary encampment.

Within moments, I knew I was in the right place. I chuckled out loud as the pair bantered back and forth.

Although they had some written information on many of the entries, it was the duo’s spontaneous ad-libbing with each other and many who passed in front of them on the parade route that added to the experience - that and the shower of Tootsie Rolls raining on the stage area, courtesy of the Happy Canyon directors.

For those of you who missed the Dress-Up Parade, there’s another chance to rev up your Round-Up spirit during Friday’s Westward Ho! Parade. I encourage you to sidle up to the announcer’s table for Round 2 of Melton and Miller’s parade tour. However, if you can’t make it to downtown Pendleton, tune in to 1240 KTIX for a live broadcast of the unique non-motorized parade.
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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, appears every other week. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.