Klamath Basin Potato Festival

Klamath Basin Potato Festival Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Klamath Basin Potato Festival, Nonprofit Organization, Merrill, OR.

08/29/2026

2026 JR Princesses

Miss Jude Beeson – Garcia
Jude Anselma Beeson-Garcia is the daughter of Tobie and Raul Beeson-Garcia and the proud little sister of Khieran, Oryian, Phayden, Ryker, and Aurora. Jude attends Merrill Elementary School and is excited to be a Husky, Go Huskies!

Jude is a happy and energetic kindergartener who loves swimming, riding her bike, coloring, and dancing. She also enjoys playing basketball and having fun with her family. With five older siblings to look up to, Jude is always ready to cheer them on and is proud to be their biggest little cheerleader!
Whether she is dancing, coloring a masterpiece, shooting a basketball, or spending time with her brothers and sister, Jude brings plenty of fun and enthusiasm wherever she goes.

Miss Natalie Noles
Natalie Rosemarie Noles is the daughter of Garrett and Jennifer Noles and the little sister of Wyatt, age 9, and Weston, age 6. She attends Merrill Elementary School and is proud to be a Husky, Go Huskies!

Natalie loves the ocean and is happiest when she gets the chance to swim. She also enjoys tumbling class, reading books, listening to music, and creating art. Natalie has a colorful imagination and especially loves unicorns, mermaids, butterflies, and anything pink, purple, and sparkly!
When she isn’t busy with her favorite activities, Natalie loves spending time with her family and doing her best to keep up with her two big brothers. With her creative spirit and love for all things magical and sparkly, Natalie knows how to make every day a little more colorful!

08/29/2026

2026 Queen Candidates

Miss Bonanza
Abby Hill is the daughter of Leticia and Tyler Hill and the sister of Allen Hill. She attends Bonanza Jr./Sr. High School, where she has distinguished herself through academic excellence and exceptional leadership. Abby has earned Grand Honor Roll recognition for three years and has served as FBLA Vice President, NHS Treasurer, Class President, and ASB Activities Director.
Beyond the classroom, Abby is actively involved in numerous organizations that reflect her passion for agriculture and community service. She serves as President of Langell Valley Beef and is a member of the Jr. Klamath County Cattlewomen's, 4-H Sewing Club as a Junior Leader, FBLA, and FFA.
In her free time, Abby enjoys sewing and quilting, reading, raising cattle, playing volleyball, and gardening. Her diverse interests showcase both her creativity and her strong agricultural roots.
Following graduation, Abby plans to attend a four-year university to study biology while exploring career opportunities and determining her future major. With her dedication, leadership, and strong work ethic, she is well prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Miss Mazama
Sophia Gonzalez is the daughter of Claudia Cisneros and the sister of Miguel Barajas, Esmeralda Gonzalez, Manuel Gonzalez, and Frida Esparza. She attends Mazama High School, where she has worked consistently toward her academic goals. Sophia has maintained a 3.1 GPA, passed two of the three required state assessments, earned Honor Roll recognition twice, and completed two CPR and First Aid certification courses over the past two years.
At school, Sophia is an active member of the Mazama High School Latino Club, where she enjoys connecting with her peers and participating in school activities. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys baking, cooking, and reading, hobbies that allow her to express her creativity and continue learning.
Following graduation, Sophia plans to attend Klamath Community College and use the Oregon Promise program to earn her general studies degree. She then hopes to transfer to a four-year university while continuing to explore whether chemistry is the career path she wants to pursue. Her determination and thoughtful approach to planning for the future will serve her well as she works toward her goals.

Miss Crosspoint
Brianna Olney is the daughter of Jennifer and Chad Olney and the sister of Kaley Olney. A student at Crosspoint Christian School, Brianna has embraced opportunities to lead and serve throughout her high school career. She has been selected to serve as President of both the National Honor Society and Student Council, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and student leadership.
In addition to her school leadership roles, Brianna contributes to her community as a Junior Member of the Klamath County Economic and Tourism Grant Review Panels. These experiences have given her valuable insights into civic engagement and community development while strengthening her leadership and decision-making skills.
Outside of school, Brianna enjoys expressing her creativity through writing and painting. She values opportunities to explore new ideas and use her artistic talents as an outlet for self-expression.
After graduation, Brianna plans to attend college and pursue dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and business with a minor in Political Science. She is also considering attending law school in the future as she continues to build on her passion for leadership, public service, and making a positive impact in her community.

Miss Tulelake
Lupita Juanita Alcala Ramirez is the daughter of Juan and Celeste Alcala and the sister of Edgar, Fabiola, Jonathan, Sofia, and Yaneri Alcala. A student at Tulelake High School, Lupita has built an impressive record of academic success, leadership, and community involvement. Throughout her school career, she has received numerous honors, including the D.A.R.E. Valedictorian Award, Principal Honor Roll recognition, the Presidential Education Award, Tulelake Rotary Student of the Month, Academic Scholarship Award, FFA SAE of the Month, CSF Chapter Member Award, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence, FFA Student of the Month, the Youth Business Conference Award, the Citizenship Award, and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award.
Lupita is actively involved in a variety of school organizations and leadership roles. She participates in the Tulelake Interact Club and Tulelake FFA while also serving as President of the Floral Club, Vice President of the Associated Student Body, and President of the Class of 2027. She has also challenged herself academically by participating in Summer Dual Enrollment courses.
Outside of school, Lupita enjoys swimming, reading, cleaning, dancing, and writing. These interests reflect both her energetic personality and her appreciation for creativity, organization, and lifelong learning.
After graduation, Lupita plans to attend college to major in Business with a minor in Psychology. She hopes to combine her education with her interests by pursuing a career as either a real estate agent or a mortician. Her drive, leadership, and commitment to excellence will provide a strong foundation as she works toward achieving her future goals.

Miss Lost River
Addison Rawson is the daughter of April and Daniel Rawson and attends Lost River High School. Throughout her high school years, she has been dedicated to both academics and extracurricular involvement. Among her accomplishments are serving as President of her 4-H club and qualifying for the state track competition, achievements that reflect her leadership, determination, and strong work ethic.
An active participant in school and community activities, Addison is involved in volleyball, basketball, track, 4-H, FFA, cultural gun safety, and archery. Her wide range of interests has allowed her to develop valuable skills in teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance while building lasting friendships and experiences.
Outside of school, Addison enjoys playing the guitar, competing in sports, showing animals, painting, and spending time with friends and family. Her hobbies highlight both her creative side and her passion for staying active.
After graduating, Addison plans to pursue a career in medicine as an emergency room nurse. She intends to complete her prerequisite coursework at Klamath Community College before transferring to Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) to earn her nursing degree. With her compassion, dedication, and determination, Addison is well prepared to achieve her career aspirations.

08/29/2026
2026 Grand MarshallGreg Matthews and FamilyGregory Matthews was a man whose life was defined by harmony, heart, and an u...
08/26/2026

2026 Grand Marshall

Greg Matthews and Family

Gregory Matthews was a man whose life was defined by harmony, heart, and an unwavering devotion to his family and community. In October 2001, Greg began working for the City of Merrill, embarking on a career that was far more than a job—it was a lifelong mission to serve, build, and uplift everyone around him. Greg loved his work and thrived on being hands-on, always taking on whatever needed to be done. He took immense pride in his work family, believing that alongside Rayna and Kari in the office and his right-hand man, Juan Carlos, they had the absolute perfect staff to keep the city running smoothly.

Greg’s visionary spirit transformed the landscape and culture of Merrill. With a passion for history and community spaces, he created The Modoc War Museum, Flag Pole Park, and Good Duck Park. He also brought people together through the power of music by founding the beloved Lost River Bluegrass Festival. Greg used these projects as a bridge to reach out to anyone in the community who was in need. Whether he was coaching Little League, organizing his annual community Christmas program, teaching local kids how to play the guitar, or sharing the rich history of the Merrill-Modoc War Museum, Greg spent his life pouring love and mentorship into the next generation.

At the center of Greg’s world was his beautiful family. He shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Ronnell Matthews. Together, they built a lasting legacy of love through their two sons and their families: Owen and his wife Michelle, parents to Micayla (17) and Nolan (10); and Jack and his wife Jamie, parents to Emma (14), Evelyn (12), Ember (9), and Elise (3). Greg treasured his roles as a husband and father, but being a grandfather brought him a unique and profound joy. He spent every moment he could with his grandchildren, creating unforgettable memories—including the deeply special bonds forged through music, like playing the fiddle alongside his granddaughter, Evelyn. Where Greg went, his loyal four-legged best friend, Bugle Ann, was sure to follow; the two were never apart.

Music was a foundational piece of Greg's soul, but his truest masterpiece was the kindness he extended to everyone he met. He loved his family fiercely, cherished his friends deeply, and spent his life ensuring that no one in his community was left behind. We are all profoundly better off for having shared life with such an amazing, generous man.

Gregory Matthews will never be forgotten.

07/11/2026

If your are interested in being a vendor, send me an email at [email protected] and I will send you a vendor application! Put booth in the subject line please.

Address

Merrill, OR
97633

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