In its 126th year, the community of Weston will celebrate Umatilla County Pioneer Days.

The event kicks off Friday with the queen’s coronation and an introduction of the grand marshal. The gathering starts at 6:30 p.m. at Weston Memorial Hall.

Shirley Kirk Wait is the 2018 Pioneer Picnic queen. In addition to being the daughter of a past queen, she has driven past royalty during the parade. Organizers with the Umatilla County Pioneer Association indicate Wait is quick to welcome people into her home with a wonderful smile, big hug and contagious laugh.

Dusty Hearn, who has deep roots in the community, is serving as grand marshal. He is often seen riding around town in his ATV with a big smile and a wave. Also, he attends many events to support his kids and grandkids. Hearn is known to visit with people and share a story or two.

Fun for the whole family is featured before and after the Pioneer Picnic. The activities kick off Saturday with a firemen’s breakfast at 6 a.m. at Charles Elliott Memorial Park. A special kids’ parade gets rolling just prior to the main parade at 10 a.m. An announcer’s booth will be set up on the corner of Main and Water streets, providing information about parade entries as they pass by.

After the parade, the fourth annual car show will be held on Main Street. Day of event entries are $20. More than a dozen trophies will be presented, including a people’s choice award and pair of judge’s choices. Be sure to stop by the main car show tent to vote for your favorite car or register for a walking tour of some of Weston’s historic buildings.

The car show officially begins at 11 a.m., however, car show entrants that wish to participate in the parade are asked to line-up at 9 a.m. For more about the car show, contact Robert Hill at 541-379-3737, roberthillbob@yahoo.com or Doug Harrel at 541-969-4909 or silveradok5blazer@gmail.com.

Also on Saturday, the park will be filled throughout the day with vendor booths, concession stands, activities and games for all ages. The barbecue picnic will benefit the Pioneer Days event. And there will be stage entertainment until 5 p.m. Saturday evening closes out with a 9 p.m. performance by Matt Borden at the Long Branch Cafe & Saloon, 201 E. Main St. There is a $10 cover charge.

For more information, contact Contact Bob Gilliland at bobg@bmi.net, 541-566-9473 or Trish Neal at westonoregon@hotmail.com, 541-404-0724 or search Facebook for “Umatilla County Pioneer Association.”

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Contact Community Editor Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539