An 8-day vaccination event that begins tomorrow afternoon at the Malheur County Fairgrounds is shaping up to be a lively event, with confirmations this week from a few special guests.

Smokin’ Franny’s BBQ food truck will be on hand for the entirety of the event, offering their full menu of barbecue favorites, including brisket sandwiches, baby-back ribs and sides. A $5 food voucher to be used at the truck will be given to the first 50 vaccine recipients each weekday and the first 100 vaccine recipients on Saturday and Sunday. Recipients must be age 18 or older.

Consul Ricardo Gerardo Higuera from the Consulate of Mexico in Boise will visit the event at 5 p.m. on opening day and closing day, April 23. As consul, Gerardo-Higuera is committed to working vigorously in favor of the human rights of Mexican nationals and respecting the frame of the laws of the United States. In Oregon, he serves Malheur, Baker, Union and Wallowa counties.

On closing day, from 5-7 p.m., Spanish radio stations Radio Rancho – KDBI La Gran D 106.3 FM and KPDA  La Ponderosa 100.7 FM –  will offer a live broadcast from the event. We invite everyone to come out and get vaccinated, listen to some music, and enjoy the good food and festivities.

The drive-up event is hosted by Malheur County, the Oregon Health Authority, and FEMA. Hours are 4-8 p.m. on weekdays and 12-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Malheur County Fairgrounds is located at 795 N.W. 9th St in Ontario.