The article written by Jan Gallagher

Being a native Oregonian I have heard women complain that there are no Cowboys here. “We Moved out west to find some CowBoys, no where the heck are they?” I explain to these old marms’ that they are living in western Oregon where it is beautiful green and lush and that their best bet is eastern Oregon where it is dry gross and arid.

Of course Oregon’s wildwest cowboy style is truly only display at local County fairs and the world famous Pendleton Roundup. I always go to the Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo with my mom, wife, and a few small cousins. We look forward to going every august. It may sound silly, but I like to come watch my alma mater’s (McMinnville Highschool) FFA team. Growing up in rural Oregon you do get an appreciation for wild animals, horses, and nature but you just don’t see many cowboys unless you show up at the county fair. I like watching the young kids do things like pig wrestlin and roping. I also really enjoy buying my lil’ cousin Jonny Cotton Candy, and watching the FFA kids proudly groom and display their goats and cows.

My Mother and my Wife typically jot off to the flowers, quilting, and needle work exhibits, while my brother and I go watch the bull riding if I can convince him to join me. After a long day of carrying my cousins on my shoulders at the fair, I like to kick my shoes off at home and watch DirectStarTV.