The race is on to get the new post-and-rail fence up around the racetrack at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds before bad weather, and Joe and Karen Rinehart of Enterprise are running well with approximately 18 rails up.

“It’s looking better every time we’re there,” Joe said.

The Rineharts began the race-rail-race at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds this summer when they installed 40 feet of new fence by the indoor arena.

They didn’t know they were starting a race to finish the whole racetrack, but took up the suggestion immediately and volunteered to install every foot of fence the community would donate. Harold Hartley of Northwest Fence Company in Enterprise was onboard with the project from the start and offered to sell 20-foot rails for just $15 each – if they were donated to the project.

The project was apparently a “horse race” the community could get behind. As of Monday, Sept. 28, 42 rails had been donated – a third of what was needed. Donors included a number of local ranchers, the Wallowa County Pomona Grange #22, Oregon Equestrian Trails Wallowa Mountain Chapter and several individuals.

By Monday night, Joseph merchants announced that they would pledge $250 toward the purchase of rails. “We are very, very happy to be able to support something going on in Enterprise,” President Terry DeSpain said. “It’s good that we all work together to make these improvements in all of our facilities.”

The Hells Canyon Mule Days organization immediately pledged to match the merchants’ donation.

Between those two donors alone, that is at least another 32 rails – which will take the Rineharts more than halfway around the track.

This outpouring of support inspired the Wallowa County Chieftain and its staff to pledge the purchase of five rails, further issuing a challenge for other businesses in the county who have not yet donated to match or beat the five-rail challenge.

Don’t worry about buying too many rails, the Rineharts said, because they’ve got the inside rail to do, too.

Wallowa County Grain Growers also donated toward the cause, providing Powder River green paint for a fresh coat on the pipe gates around the track. The gates look brand new, according to several citizen reports.

And, it is a two-horse race now.

A second fundraiser for fairgrounds improvement will run in conjunction with the race-rail project. The old bleachers in the infield will be torn down over the next month and anyone wishing to purchase the lumber, all well weathered and suitable for rough projects or “pioneer-style” furniture, may purchase it for 15 cents per linear foot. Boards are 2×8, 2×10 and 2x12s.

A work party to install rails and tear down the grandstand is scheduled for Oct. 11 and 12. Come with your hammer and short and long crowbars. A couple of power drills and at least one chainsaw would also be welcome. The Rineharts will direct the work on the rails and fairgrounds manager Randy Garnett will direct the teardown operation.

A bonfire will be lit for warming up if the weather is cold. Donations of coffee and pastries are welcomed.

Joe and Karen Rinehart are making their way around the track powering their tools with a generator in the back of their truck. Any volunteer with a generator in the back of his or her truck also would be welcomed.

Many donors have asked if they could put their brand, the initials of their organization, their own name or a name of a loved one in whose honor they are making the donation on the rails.

The answer is, yes. All marks must be burned on the rail, not carved out or painted on. Each donor is responsible for his or her own signage. A soldering or branding iron may be used.

To assist donors in marking their rails, Jack Prociw of Joseph is building some running irons. The brands will be available for use the day of the work party. “They can be heated with a little cutting torch,” Prociw said.

Anyone with skill at burning names or initials is encouraged to attend the work party and put their skill to use.