05/29/2026
🌟🌟🌟 FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT 🌟🌟🌟
Gary was born and raised in McMinnville, Oregon, and married Linda Misner from Willamina. Together they raised three sons, all of whom worked the rodeo alongside their friends—whether they had a choice or not.
While working in sales, service, and management in the machinery business, Gary joined the Fair Board in 1995. In 1998, he convinced the Board of Commissioners to bring rodeo back to Yamhill County. The first rodeos were held the same weekend as Turkey Rama before moving to fair week in 2000.
Gary was one of the original five rodeo committee members, helping build the rodeo from the ground up with volunteers and community support. With donations from Cascade Steel and the help of dedicated committee members, the arena was built and eventually reconfigured into the layout still used today. Gary and the committee also hired current stock contractor Howell Rodeo in 2000.
In 2015, Gary was elected NPRA President, where he represented rodeos across the country and worked to strengthen relationships with other associations. In 2017, he became the Fair and Event Center Manager.
"It has been an honor to be associated with the rodeo and all the volunteers who helped keep it going through the years. We did it for the fair and to bring rodeo back to Yamhill County, where it was once a major part of summertime traditions. It has been a lot of fun." -Gary Wertz
The Yamhill County Rodeo Committee is incredibly thankful for Gary and the countless hours, dedication, and leadership he has given to our rodeo, fairgrounds, and community over the years. Much of what we enjoy today is the result of the vision, hard work, and determination of Gary and those who helped build this rodeo from the ground up.
If you see Gary around the fairgrounds or at the rodeo, be sure to thank him for his many years of service and commitment to keeping rodeo alive and thriving in Yamhill County. His impact on our fair, rodeo, and community will be felt for generations to come. 🤠❤️🐎🏆
