By Jessica Smith

We are honored to announce Steve and Kristi Rickman as our Harney County Fair and Rodeo grand marshals. Steve grew up in Izee on a ranch and Kristi moved to Harney County in 1977 with her family. They ranched and raised hay on Crane-Buchanen RD. at the base of the Stinkingwaters.

They met in 1989 through Steve’s brother Bruce and married in 1994. Their children, Paul Zipser and Laura Moulton, both call Harney County home.

They have four grandkids, Colton, Wyatt, Mckenzie and Anthony and one great-grandson, Mason.

Steve and Kristi have done many things through the years. They owned Dairy Queen, were the founders of Smoking Pit BBQ and Kristi sold real estate for 12 years through Blackburn’s. They purchased Burns Electric in 2006 and son, Paul, took over in 2023. Through the years they have continued to ranch and farm living out on Old Experiment Rd.

Steve and Kristi are exceptional volunteers! Steve has volunteered thousands of hours as part of the local water committee working on the water issues facing the Harney Basin. He has also volunteered Burns Electric’s service to the fairgrounds through the years and Paul continues to do that. Kristi has been a static exhibitor for years, displaying beautiful quilts and various things.

She decided “there must be more to retirement” so she started a lemonade and walking taco food truck at the fair called the “Lemondrop” a favorite booth everyone loves! She also helps set up the vendor area during the fair, organizing and helping out where she can. The Rickman’s have also purchased animals at the Livestock Auction for years. They “love the kids and like to hear what they are doing!” Supporting our local kids is very important to both.

We are so grateful to have such exceptional community members and for their service to the Fair for all of these years! They inspire dedication and service to family and community. You can see Steve &Kristi at the parade Saturday, and each night during the grand entry. You will of course see them during the day at the fair in the Lemondrop booth, at the auction or out and about volunteering.