Photo by RUTHIE’S IN HIS IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

In recognition of her numerous contributions to the community, Anne Clark was named grand marshal of the 2022 Harney County Fair & Rodeo. 

Congratulations to Anne Clark, who was selected to serve as the grand marshal of the 2022 Harney County Fair & Rodeo.

Eileen “Anne” (Arnold) Clark was born in Burns in 1951 — in the then “new” hospital — to Dick and Naomi Arnold. She grew up on the family ranch, living in Lawen during the school year, and spending summers on the portion of the ranch near Buchanan. She attended elementary school in Lawen and high school in Crane, living in the dormitory during the infamous fire that burnt the school to the ground. After graduating high school in 1969, Anne continued her studies at Eastern Oregon University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in education in 1973.

In 1972, Anne married her high school friend and lifelong Harney County resident, Norman Clark. Norman, who was raised near Drewsey, attended high school with Anne at Crane. The couple’s fathers also attended high school together at Crane in the 1930s. Both Norman and Anne descend from original Harney County settlers, dating back as early as 1882 in the Drewsey area.

Following Anne’s graduation from college, the couple moved back to Harney County and settled on the Clark ranch near Drewsey. They have lived there ever since, raising cattle and sheep, contract haying, and operating heavy equipment.

Norman and Anne are the proud parents of five children and 19 grandchildren. They will soon be welcoming their fourth great-grandchild.

Anne was a substitute teacher in Pine Creek, Drewsey, Crane, Burns, Hines, Double O, and Riley. She also worked as a part-time teacher in Pine Creek and a full-time teacher in Riley. Although she retired in 2016, Anne continues to substitute when she can. Over the years, she’s empowered numerous children with knowledge and a thirst for learning, and has been a positive influence in many lives.

Additionally, Anne has contributed copious amounts of time and energy to the community through her volunteer service. She served on the PTA at Pine Creek Elementary for the 17 years that her children attended school there. Along with many passionate parents, Anne was a founding member of the Crane High School Booster Club in 1988. She continued to volunteer with the Booster Club for the 12 years that her children attended high school. She helped with fundraisers, concessions, awards ceremonies, Mustang fan merchandise, assemblies, and pep rallies. Anne was also instrumental in creating an academic award recognition night for Crane High School scholars. She continues to help organize and facilitate the annual Crane and Rural Schools Elementary Music Festival and Play Day. Anne has been involved in this effort for more than a decade, and she enjoys seeing the county’s youth come together to showcase both music and athleticism.

Anne served on the Harney District Hospital Board for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, she was part of the Harney Community Healthcare Council. This council helped the community establish a taxable hospital district, governed by a board of directors. It also led the way to expanding and building a newer facility between 2006 and 2008.

Anne also spent numerous years volunteering as a 4-H club leader, teaching her children and others how to sew. She has volunteered at the 4-H fashion review, driven contestants to state fair, judged record books, and helped contestants complete their record books. As her children finished up their time in 4-H, Anne took the opportunity to volunteer with the 4-H Livestock Show. She helps with animal weigh-ins and show clerking. For nearly 30 years, those who have attended the fair on Thursday and Friday have heard her voice and laughter across the fairgrounds, as she announced the winners of each weight class and age group.

As part of the Harney County Sheep and Wool Growers, Norman and Anne have promoted and volunteered during the Saturday night lamb feed. A longstanding Harney County Fair tradition, the lamb feed helped encourage the sale of 4-H market lambs by giving people an opportunity to taste the meat.

Anne loves Harney County, especially Drewsey, and she has compiled community history for years. She helped Pine Creek Elementary students record oral histories with Drewsey-area residents, which are archived at the Western History Room at the Harney County Museum. Anne enjoys gathering her family back to Drewsey as often as possible, and she is proud of the impact that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have had, and will have, on the future of Harney County. 

The legacy of Anne and the Clark family exemplifies the theme of this year’s Harney County Fair & Rodeo, which is, “Proud of our past, poised for the future!”

Please join us in congratulating Anne on this well-deserved honor. Also, be sure to attend the Harney County Fair & Rodeo, which will be held Sept. 6-10 at the Harney County Fairgrounds.