HERMISTON – A photo entitled “August Nights” of two cowboys conversing on horseback silhouetted in front of a spectacular sunset is the limited edition print for the 2003 Farm-City Pro Rodeo.

The Farm-City Rodeo begins Wednesday, Aug. 6 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 9 in conjunction with the Umatilla County Fair at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds.

Only 100 prints have been made of “August Nights,” taken by Mitchell Zachs during last year’s rodeo. The prints are being sold for $50 at RoeMarks Men’s & Women’s Western Wear in Hermiston.

Zachs, who worked as a staff photographer at the East Oregonian from 1996 to 2001, said he took the photo in the warm-up pen last year right before rodeo events began.

“The event is one thing, but backstage you see a whole different story,” he said. The photo “kind of told the story of what the cowboy world is all about.”

The print was exactly what the Farm-City Pro Rodeo board was looking for, said board member Cyd Bothum. The photo captures the heart of the rodeo, but also illustrates the spirit of this region.

“He captured this sunset with cowboys riding in front of it. He hit it just right,” she said. “It’s what the night looks like in August.”

Zachs traveled from Florida to the 2002 Farm-City Rodeo to act as its official photographer and shot 250 rolls of film during the four-day event. While shooting the various events at the rodeo, Zachs also concentrated on the scenes behind the show. He shot concessionaires, volunteers putting up chairs and ticket takers.

“It’s Western and agriculture and it’s our type of feeling,” Bothum said.

“August Nights” is the 11th limited edition print created to commemorate the rodeo. All prints, except Deb Ashbeck’s “Bloodlines,” the 1995 print that portrayed the Currin brothers, can be purchased at RoeMarks Men’s & Women’s Western Wear in Hermiston.

Well known as a rodeo that brings in top national and local talent, the Farm-City Pro Rodeo has been nominated six times as large outdoor rodeo of the year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Randy Corley, a 20-year veteran providing rodeo play by play, will announce this year’s rodeo. Flint Rasmussen will be the rodeo clown, while Rowdy Barry and Joe Baumgartner will be the bull fighters.

General admission tickets for adults are $12, while children 12 and under are $5. Reserved seats are $14. Tickets include admissions to the Umatilla County Fair.

Rodeo tickets can be purchased in Hermiston at the Farm City Office, the Pendleton Grain Growers, the Chamber of Commerce, Banner Bank and RoeMarks.

In Pendleton, tickets can be purchased at Pendleton Grain Growers and Banner Bank. In Heppner, tickets can be purchased at Gardner’s. Tickets can also be purchased at the Banner Bank in Boardman, Stanfield and Umatilla.

The Umatilla County Fair Parade begins at 7 p.m. Saturday in downtown Hermiston. After the parade, the Farm-City Boot Scoot’n Western Dance will take place at 8 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center. Monty Moss & The Broken Record Band will provide music for the dance. Tickets are $15.