Although the sun and rain storms are still battling it out, summer has arrived in northeast Oregon, and that means there are lots of community festivals, rodeos and seasonal attractions to enjoy. Here are a few highlights for the coming weeks. Go to www.visitlagrande.com for the full array of attractions, recreation and events.

June 12-14: 102nd Annual EASTERN OREGON LIVESTOCK SHOW & PRCA RODEO in Union, 15 miles SE of La Grande, always delivers a great parade, an exciting rodeo and the added fun of horse races during the rodeo. You can even bet on your favorite horse. The parade is at 2 p.m. Friday and rodeo action starts Friday at 4 and Saturday & Sunday at 1:30. www.easternoregonlivestockshow.com

EAGLE CAP EXCURSION TRAIN: The train departs from Elgin Thursday, June 18, plus all Saturdays at 10 a.m. for a 3.5 hour trip down the Grande Ronde River. Outstanding scenery and a relaxing and fun ride. A delicious lunch is served on the train, prepared by Ten Depot Street Restaurant. Call Alegre Travel, 800.323.7330 for reservations. www.eaglecaptrain.com

CONGRATULATIONS! EOU GRADUATES: Eastern Oregon Univeristy graduation takes place on campus Saturday, June 13. We welcome the graduates’ families and friends. Thank you, Grads, for making La Grande an important part of your life!

June 12-14: The HELLS CANYON MOTOR CYCLE RALLY invites bikers to travel the amazing Hells Canyon Scenic Byway - and All-American Road. Like cyclists, motorcyclists have discovered the beauty and fun of northeast Oregon. Our winding roads, low traffic and friendly rural towns make the area ideal for exploring on two wheels. The rally is held in Baker City and it brings thousands of motor bikes through Elgin, La Grande and Union. Many stay here, lots stop to dine, shop and look for entertainment. Welcome, Bikers!

June 20 & 21: OREGON TRAIL REGULATORS COWBOY SHOOT is held at the La Grande Rifle & Pistol Club OR Hwy 244 near La Grande. Costumed shooters compete in the event that is sanctioned by the national Single Action Shooting Society. In a beautiful riverside setting; there are 12 shooting scenarios based on John Wayne one-liners. Watch the action Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 19-21: The ELGIN RIVERFEST is the small town's celebration of its location along the shores of the Grande Ronde River. The river drains a huge area of northeast Oregon, eventually delivering the water to the Snake, then Columbia Rivers and on to the Pacific Ocean. In addition to educational exhibits about the river and watershed, festival activities include a quilt show, fireman's breakfast, antique tractor and engine show, craft and food vendors, and community-wide yard sales. On Saturday, the Elgin Riverfest Cruise-In takes place from 9 to 3. It's "just for fun!"

June 18: The THIRD THURSDAY ART WALK takes place in historic downtown La Grande. Galleries and specialty shops feature guest artists and showcase the area's outstanding variety and quality of art. Many participating businesses offer refreshments and live music. Also downtown at Max Square, corner of Fourth and Adams, there is live music every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., with some of the area's most popular musicians often playing with little known bands. 

UNION COUNTY MUSEUM: The charming little museum in Union features the Cowboys Then & Now Collection, a Barbie wardrobe collection, period rooms, a natural history exhibit, antique instruments, a large collection of historic photos and new exhibits in the Livery Stable.  We always receive rave reviews from visitors to the museum. Don't miss it! It is open 10 to 4, Monday - Sunday.

LA GRANDE FARMERS MARKET: Max Square, Fourth & Adams, downtown, 9 to noon. This farmers market offers fresh fruit and veggies, baked goods and crafts, plus live music and the opportunity to get to know the flavor and spirit of the community.

SIGHTSEEING: June is a great time to take the backroads and explore Union County. Crops and pastures are very lush this year, turning the countryside to many shades of green. There is still snow in the high country, so the blue mountains are capped in white. Take a drive and stop into a little cafe for lunch or dessert along the way.