HERMISTON — A trio of funnymen will provide the laughs during the 31st annual Melonville Comedy Festival.

Headliner Tom Simmons, featured act Andrew Sleighter and emcee Sam Miller will take the stage on Jan. 24 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 each via www.melonvillecomedyfestival.com.

Performers

A veteran of stand-up for more than two decades, Simmons has headlined clubs across the nation. In addition, he has won numerous awards and has appeared in comedy specials on Showtime, Comedy Central, “Comics Unleashed,” “Laughs” and more. His act includes his unique take on everyday situations, including current events, pop culture and being a father and husband.

Known for his laid-back style, Sleighter has appeared on “Last Comic Standing” and a special for “Dry Bar Comedy,” as well as on late-night TV shows. He performs across the U.S. at comedy clubs, festivals and on college campuses.

Miller, who hails from Olympia, Washington, was the runner-up in the 2021 Seattle International Comedy Competition. He’s a recurring guest on the “Bob & Tom Radio Show” and has headlined at major comedy clubs nationwide and has performed with the Addicts Comedy Tour.

The comedy festival is open to adults 21 and older. No-host drinks will be available from Midway Bar & Grill, the event coordinator. Also, representatives from Hermiston-Pendleton Special Olympics will sell a variety of food — sausage dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, chili, taco haystacks, nachos, pretzels, carrots with ranch dip and cookies — for $1 to $5.

Event supports Special Olympics

Proceeds from ticket sales also benefit the local Special Olympics program. In addition, raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5 for a chance to win a beverage/treat basket perfect for Super Bowl viewing and an assortment of beef from Kietzke Angus.

Kristi Smalley, Special Olympics communications manager, said the local program serves about 100 athletes in multiple sports. Support from Midway owner Stuart Rice, she said, assists in sending athletes to competitions throughout the year. The local Special Olympics program received more than $6,000 after the 2024 comedy festival.

“It allows our coaches and volunteers to focus on coaching athletes and not have to expend so much energy on fundraising,” Smalley said about support from Rice.

For more about Special Olympics Oregon, search www.soor.org and for the local program, search Facebook via rebrand.ly/mirhl6g. For questions, call 503-248-0600.