Pendleton Round Up
 
The Pendleton Round-Up features great rodeo events such as saddle bronc & bull riding, roping, shows, Native American Arts & Crafts, Happy Canyon event, various contests and more. Located in the city Pendleton Oregon, the event is held in September of every year, to allow the grain farmers time to complete their harvest, and the livestock people an opportunity to make a late summer check-up. The symbolic slogan of the Round-Up is "Let'er Buck". Located in Malheur National Forest, the area offers a wealth of stunning vistas and sublime visual experiences. With nearly 17 million acres and elevations from 3300 to over 9000 feet, there are countless opportunities to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of alpine lakes and meadows, Scenic rivers, sagebrush steppes, and forests of pine, fir, larch and spruce.


STEER ROPING
Steer Roping is up and becoming one of the most popular events to cowboys. A decade ago this event was approved at only two dozen PRCA rodeos. Today steer roping is held at 60 PRCA shows. With the aid of a well trained horse, the roper must rope only the horns, lay the slack over the right hip, then angle his horse to the left. He then must tie any three legs of the steer. When a good run is put together this is one of the most breathtaking events of the rodeo.

   
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
The event of bronc riding has evolved from the work of an early day cowboy, breaking a horse to use on the ranch. Today's bucking horse is a natural bucker, usually bred to do this job only! In saddle bronc, the cowboy has a buck rein and a hornless saddle. With toes turned out in the stirrups, the cowboy spurs with a rhythmic motion from the shoulders of the bronc, to the back of the saddle. Recognized as the classic event of the rodeo, it is a beautiful site to watch but perhaps the most difficult to master.

CONCERTS  Each year there are several shows to attend. See below
 

BAREBACK RIDING

Bareback riding may be the toughest event on a cowboy's body. As he jams his "riding arm" into a leather rigging (suitcase-like handle) he asks his body to perform some hard tasks.
  
He needs to spur wildly, yet have complete control of his body. Timing and strength are vital in maintaining control. The more gyration the better the score, but the torque the riding arm takes is unbelievable.
  

CALF ROPING
As the cowboy nods for his calf, his horse must wait behind a score line till the calf passes. The horse then leaves at adjusted speed, stops on cue as the roper catches, and must work the rope as the cowboy ties any three legs of the calf.
 
Calf roping is a timed event in which many variables can lead to an outstanding run, or a "speed jam." A highly trained horse, one which is able to run and stop, a good draw (calf), and a little good luck can turn this into one of the most pleasurable events in rodeo to watch.
 
STEER WRESTLING
Of all the events in rodeo, is it said that steer wrestling offers the greatest amount of eye appeal to the spectator. It is a display of strength and an exhibition of finesse and skill.
 
With the aid of a hazer, the contestant jumps from a horse running around 30 mph, reaches for the steer's sharp horns, slides him to a stop, and lays him on the ground. It is a controversy among many as to which is the most important in this event: timing, strength, or leverage. Can you decide?
 
STEER ROPING (Already Covered Above)
 
TEAM ROPING
This event takes two cowboys. One cowboy known as the header and the other cowboy, the heeler. As in other timed events, the header must start behind the barrier string. If the header's horse breaks the barrier before the line judge drops his flag, there is a ten-second penalty assessed to their time.
 
The heeler can also cause a penalty to the run by only roping one leg. If that happens, there will be a penalty of 5 seconds added to their time.
 
As the header catches up to the steer and ropes him, he dallies his rope around the saddle horn. He changes directions with the steer by turning left, bringing the steer behind him. The heeler follows the steer around the corner and is allowed to rope the heels at this time. As the header and the heeler come tight with their run, the header then "faces his horse," indicating their run is complete and time is to be stopped.
 
If the heeler throws his rope and catches the heels before the steer is turned, it is called a "Cross-Fire," which is illegal and the team then receives a no-time.
 
There are three legal head catches in team roping: a clean horn catch, half head, and neck catch. Team roping has always been a part of a cowboy's work. It is a way two people can handle cattle without getting off their horses. They can doctor them, brand them or do just what needs to be done. It is the cowboy's way...
 
RACES
Among the races each day at the Pendleton Round-Up are:
Indian Races - Relay
Club Races - Pony Express and Baton Relay
Open Race - Free for All Race
 
Wild cow milking is also considered a race.
 
INDIANS
Dancing is a component of almost all Indian celebrations and the Pendleton Round-Up is no exception. A sample of the dancing is included midway through each afternoon performance, including competitive war dancing and the social (circle) dance.
 
The main event for Indian dancing occurs on Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Round-Up arena. Dances performed for competition on Saturday morning include the War Dance, the Rabbit Dance, the Circle Dance and the Swan Dance. Special exhibition dancing, such as the Hoop Dance, also may occur.
 
The winners of the dance competition receive the honored Pendleton blanket. While the Pendleton blanket has been a traditional award among the local Indian community, the awards presented during the Saturday dances have an additional meaning. The dances held on Saturday morning are in the memory of Clarence Bishop.
 
BRAHMA BULL RIDING
The element of danger plays an important part of the concept of bull riding, This alone perhaps makes this the most exciting even to the spectator.
 
The rider slips his hand into a split in the rope that fits snugly around the bull, right behind the bulls shoulder. To qualify the cowboy must stay on 8 seconds, careful to keep his free hand in the air. Today's bull rider is a trained athlete, known mostly for his balance and gymnastic ability needed for success and survival.
 
BARREL RACING
Barrel racing returned to Pendleton Round-Up in 2000.
Because of the layout of the round-up grounds, this race is conducted on grass, with the barrels situated on the dirt track surrounding the arena. The first and second barrels are on the opposite sides of the track, approximately 290 feet apart, and 21 feet off the arena walls. The start/finish line is 60 feet behind the line that connects the first two barrels. The third barrel is aproximately 288 feet from the start/finish line. It is not your typical barrel race, but then again the Pendleton Round-Up isn't your typical rodeo.
 
WILD COW MILKING
A flurry of action, once the critter is caught, marks the wild cow milking contest. It's a wild and wooly event staged at every Round-Up performance. The first contest was in 1922.
 
PENDLETON ROUND-UP PARADES & ACTIVITIES
 
DRESS-UP PARADE 
The Dress-Up Parade, otherwise known as the Kick-Off Parade, makes its way through the town of Pendleton the Saturday morning before Round-Up week.
Anything goes at this parade including rodeo courts, horses, floats, marching bands, car clubs, local businesses and civic organizations riding, driving and marching from one end of town to another. It is also the opportunity for the town and visitors of Pendleton to get in the Let'er Buck spirit for the week of Round-Up fun to come.
 
US BANK/PENDLETON PBR CLASSIC
The US Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic features the world's best cowboys mounted on the meanest bulls on the Monday and tuesday before Round-Up. Held in the more intimate confines on the Happy Canyon Arena, this action-packed event was named the PBR's Touring Pro Division event of the Year in 1999 and 2000. With laser lights, fireworks and driving music the Classic takes bull riding to another level, thrilling the crowds under the cool evening sky. For for information, call 1-800-457-6336, or 541-276-2553 in the Pendleton local area.
 
WESTWARD HO! PARADE
The unique Westward Ho! Parade is held Friday morning of Round-Up week. Beginning with a big bang. The Westward Ho! Parade begins its trek through the town of Pendleton.
 
Here you will see most of the Indians who are camped at the Round-Up grounds, dressed in their tribal finery from grandmother to the tiniest tot.
 
This parade is unique in that no motorized vehicles are allowed in the line of the march. All types of early transportation are featured, from mules with a jerk line to oxen-drawn covered wagons, Mormon carts, buggies, surreys, and much more plus riding groups and music furnished by numerous marching bands from surrounding communities.
 
The Westward Ho! Parade pays tribute to the early days in the West and to the pioneers whose descendants are participating in the Round-Up.
 
HAPPY CANYON The Night Show of the Pendleton Round-Up...
Our colorful night pageant takes you into the past to relive the experiences of our forefathers. The show begins with the portrayal of the early American Indian culture. Emigrants, seeking a new life, come to the frontier and soon the two cultures clash. Fighting breaks out, then peace comes and the scene changes to that of a wild frontier town.
 
Following the pageant, everyone is invited to enter the "Happy Canyon Dance Hall." There is no extra charge for the pageant ticket holders . Adults can enjoy the live music of Ricky and The Red Streaks out back in the sawdust, while in the main dance hall deejay Andy McAnnally will play everyone's favorite music. A giant screen TV will be set up showing bull-riding action, and live cameras will also be flashing pictures of the crowd enjoying the party on the the big screen. In the backroom those over 21 can also gamble against the Happy Canyon dealers and wet your whistle with your favorite beverage.
 
Don't forget that these fall nights under the stars can be chilly - bring a coat or a sweater.
 
Round-Up Foundation Memorial Golf Tournament.
The tournament is held at the Wildhorse Resort Golf Course.
 
Main Street Cowboys Free Main Street Show
Boasting the "Greatest Free Show in the West" the Main Street Cowboys provide entertainment for all ages from noon until midnight during Round-Up week.
 
Commercial and Food Vendors line up on all four blocks of Main Street opening at noon in downtown Pendleton. There are also Stages on each block with a variety of family entertainment beginning at 6:00 pm. each night of Round-Up week starting Tuesday evening. At the large parking lot near the Chamber of Commerce there are Carnival Amusement rides for children of all ages. There is something for everyone at the Main Street Cowboy's "Greatest Free Show in the West."
 
 
Indian Beauty Pageants
The Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant is held Thursday morning of Round-Up week at Roy Raley park. Come see some of the areas most beautiful American Indian girls ages 12 and under in their finest leather and beaded outfits. The American Indian Beauty Pageant is held Friday morning a hour before the Westward Ho! parade on Main Street. Girls 13 and older compete for cash and prizes dressed in all of their Native American finery. Many of these girls can be seen in the parades and during the Indian Dancing portion of each daily Round-Up performance.
 
Native American Arts & Crafts
Peruse and purchase exquisite jewelry, quill and beadwork, dolls and other items from Northwest and Southwest tribes - plus enjoy Indian fry bread with huckleberry jam! Located at Roy Raley Park adjacent to the Round-Up grounds.
 
Round-Up Hall of Fame
A very special place to visit is our own Hall of Fame. The history of the Pendleton Round-Up, and the people and animals involved, is told through fascinating displays of Round-Up history, past Royalty, Presidents, Champions, and even rodeo stock. Many Round-Up artifacts can be enjoyed in the Round-Up Hall of Fame. Admission is free -- and guided tours are available throughout the year by appointment. It is also open during the summer months Monday through Saturday.
 
Children's Rodeo - A PRCA Special Event
 
Exceptional Rodeo, A Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association special event, has become a part of the Pendleton Round-Up.
 
Members of the PRCA pair up with handicapped children in this unique show, which was initiated in 1983.
 
The volunteer cowboys and their new young friends compete in several events that are designed to fit the needs of these special children.
 
The events in the 45 minute performance include a goat relay, steer roping, riding a hand-rocked bull, and a flag race on horseback.
 
At the conclusion each child is given a trophy and an autographed photograph with the PRCA cowboy.
 
Funding for the Children's Rodeo is provided by the Umatilla-Morrow Educational Service District and is coordinated by the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce.
 
FOR TIMES & DATES CONTACT THE:
THE PENDLETON ROUND-UP ASSOCIATION
 
1205 S.W. Court -- P.O. Box 609 -- Pendleton, OR 97801
 
PHONE: (541) 276-2553 -- FAX: 541-276-9776
1-800-45-RODEO
(1-800-457-6336)
eMail: info@pendletonroundup.com
 
Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, (541) 276-7411 or 1-800-547-8911, 501 S. Main, Pendleton, OR 97801. Or email the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce at pendleton@pendleton-oregon.org.


 

Pendleton is situated in the northeast part of Oregon with almost equal distances to Portland, Oregon, Seattle and Spokane, Washington, and Boise, Idaho. Pendleton is on I-84 and U.S. Highway 395, and is on the Oregon Trail.

 


  
Nearby Lodging areas Pendleton, Le Grande, Hermiston, Baker City, OR.

 

 
 
 

Copyright
Oregon Reservations