Eastern Oregon Livestock show names Ron & Sandy Droke 2026 Grand Marshals
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
UNION – (Release from the Eastern Oregon Livestock) We are happy to announce our 2026 EOLS Grand Marshals, Ron & Sandy Droke!
For Ron Droke, the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show has been a part of life for more than six decades. His story with the Stock Show began in 1962 as a freshman at Union High School. Through FFA, Ron showed pigs and quickly found himself drawn into the spirit, hard work, and community that make the Livestock Show such a special tradition in Union.
That connection runs deep in the Droke family. Ron’s father, Pete Droke, also served as a Grand Marshal of the Stock Show during Ron’s younger years. Following in those footsteps, Ron would go on to spend a lifetime helping support and shape the event that has meant so much to the community.
A lifelong resident of Union, Ron met Sandy in 1969, and the two were married in 1970. Just a year later, in 1971, they began volunteering together as chaperones at the Stock Show dances. Around that same time, Ron was elected to serve on the Board of Directors, a role he would hold on and off through the years as he continued to lend his time and energy to the success of the show.
In 1973, Ron and Sandy started their family, welcoming a daughter and two sons. Like many Stock Show families, their children grew up involved as well—participating in horse 4-H and volunteering wherever help was needed. From cleaning up the grounds to helping prepare the jockey room for the races, the Droke family became a familiar and hardworking presence behind the scenes.
In 1987, Ron stepped into the role that many now associate most closely with his name when it comes to the Stock Show—Director of Racing. From that point forward, Ron helped shape the racing program, often traveling with Sandy to recruit jockeys and ensure the races remained a vibrant part of the show’s tradition. Ron believes the success of the races comes from the friends and dedicated volunteers who come together year after year to lend a hand.
For more than 60 years, Ron and Sandy Droke have given their time, energy, and hearts to the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show. Their story is one of commitment, family involvement, and a deep love for the community they call home.
