PENDLETON — As people don pastels for Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day on Sept. 16 at the Round-Up, the history of rodeo women will be celebrated at the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame, 1114 S.W. Court Ave. Author Jill Charlotte Stanford will sign copies of her book “Wild Women and Tricky Ladies” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“The book hasn’t been released yet, but the publisher has done an early printing to allow us to present this event,” Virginia Roberts of the Hall of Fame said.

The book, described as highly illustrated, celebrates the female trick riders and other performers who have played important roles in rodeos, Wild West shows and fairs since the 1800s. Stafford, of Sisters, takes a look into both the lives and philosophies of these women.

Stafford, who also authored “The Cowgirl’s Cookbook,” utilizes first-hand accounts of life on the rodeo circuit as well as archival photography in the book.

Riding tricks such as the fender drag and the suicide drag that are described in the book are still used today by modern trick riders. Among the cowgirls the author explores is Bertha Blancett, who excelled in Roman riding at the Pendleton Round-Up, winning the purse countless times. The author also explores the lives and attitudes of Hazel Walker and Babe Lee, trick riders in the 1920s on the fair and rodeo circuits.

Stanford’s appearance is especially fitting considering the current Hall of Fame exhibit. “Women of the Rodeo” offers a visitors a look at vintage photographs and descriptions of cowgirls including Blancett, Mabel Strickland, Florence Adams, Ollie Osborn and Ella and Rhoda Lazinka.

Roberts, who researched the exhibit, found an excerpt in an Ohio newspaper that illustrates the toughness of the wild women Stafford so admires. After a bronc threw

several professional cowboys, Adams rode “the untamed brute” for 15 minutes, bringing him to a complete standstill.

The Hall of Fame is located across the street from the Round-Up Grounds and will be open daily during Round-Up week, the second full week in September. Admission to tour the exhibit is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and $2 for children. There is no charge for visitors coming to have a book signed. For more information about the Hall of Fame call 541-278-0815. For information on other Round-Up and Happy Canyon events call 541-276-2553 or 800-457-6336.

Editor’s note: Please add the book signing to your calendar of Round-Up events.

Category: Features

Thank you to all who have entered the Westward Ho! Parade ~ do to the OUTSTANDING number of entries, we will NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ACCEPT PARADE ENTRIES.  The length of the parade and the time line for the parade are exceeding all expectations.

The Parade will begin at 9:00am on Friday, September 17th.

Category: Events

PENDLETON — Those attending the rodeo can walk away with a limited edition souvenir of the 100th Round-Up the second full week of September. Wednesday through Saturday a special post office will be set up next to the souvenir booth behind the south grandstands, selling pictorial postmark and souvenir packets for $5.

The packet includes a large postcard of Austin Barton’s Let ‘er Buck bronze that features the limited edition Round-Up cancellation as well as a stamp from the limited edition “Cowboys of the Silver Screen.” Also enclosed in the keepsake parchment envelope are a leather-like brand rendering of the Centennial logo and a brief history of  the event which began in 1910. The bottom of the envelope features a sepia-toned rendering of the bucking chutes.

There will be 1,000 souvenirs sold Sept. 15, 1,500 sold on Sept. 16, and 2,500 each sold on Sept. 17 and 18. If any are left over after each day, they will be available for purchase the next day. Jennifer Hawkins, who coordinated the project with the U.S. Postal Service, said she knows she could ask more than $5 for the souvenirs, but decided to keep the price as low as possible.

“This is basically a gift to people who have bought tickets or who volunteer in the Round-Up Grounds,” she said. “I want them all to be sold.”

The rustic building next to the souvenir booth that will sell the keepsakes will officially be known as the Pendleton Round-Up Station of the U.S. Post Office. It is being used with permission of the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce.

The Pendleton Round-Up will be held Sept. 15-18. Tickets for Saturday’s finals performance are sold out. For ticket and other information for the rodeo and the Happy Canyon Night Show call 541-276-2553 or 800-457-6336.

Category: Events, Features

Pendleton Woolen Mills is offering a chance for you to win a trip to the 2011 Pendleton Round-Up. Prize includes round trip airfare for two (from US city), lodging, meals, and tickets to rodeos and special events.    Dates: Sept 16-18, 2011

2nd Prize: They  will be awarding smaller prizes throughout the contest for entries which show great creativity and spirit (Wild West Spirit!). Prizes will be a variety of Round-Up merchandise, such as garments, accessories and blankets.

Prize Eligibility: Only persons residing in United States who are at least 21 years of age can enter.

Contest Starts  August 06, 2010 @ 10:00 am (PDT) and Contest Ends October 15, 2010 @ 11:59 pm (PDT)

TO ENTER follow this link:http://www.facebook.com/PendletonWoolenMills#!/PendletonWoolenMills?v=app_95936962634&ref=ts

Category: News & Updates

PENDLETON—Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com has announced the introduction and upcoming sale of special “LET ’ER BUCK” limited edition customized trucks and luxury SUV’s in celebration of the Pendleton Round-Up’s Centennial.

Reservations are now being accepted for purchase of 24 Ford F-series trucks and Expeditions in this once-in-a-century limited edition. Customized in collaboration with a nationally-recognized firm, each vehicle will be numbered and feature high-quality custom interior and exterior badges,  graphics and other quality features authorized by the Pendleton Round-Up Association.

The “LET ’ER BUCK” themed vehicles will be driven by Round-Up Association board members and officials during this year’s anniversary festivities and then be sold, according to James Harvey, General Manager for Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com.

In support of the Pendleton Round-Up Foundation, a sister organization of the Round-Up Association, Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com will make a tax-deductible donation to the foundation in the purchaser’s name at the time of each sale.

“For purchasers of these beautiful vehicles it is a wonderful way to keep the spirit of this milestone anniversary alive while supporting the foundation,” said Steve Corey, President of the Round-Up Foundation. “We welcome Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com’s involvement with the foundation and other Round-Up activities.”

According to Harvey, the development and sales of the “LET ’ER BUCK” limited edition vehicles is a natural way for Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com to become involved with the Round-Up Foundation and community.

“By offering this special limited edition, we can play a role in honoring the families and traditions of the Old West–which is one of the primary goals of the foundation,” said Harvey.

“As a family company, we share those important values.”

With full-service Ford dealerships in Hermiston and Prosser, Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com has opened a new Automotive Express Service Center in conjunction with the Pendleton Grain Growers at PGG’s Pendleton retail location.

For information on reserving and purchasing these limited edition trucks and SUV’s, contact contact James Harvey direct at Tom Denchel’s Ford Country.com at 541-561-3306 or 1-800-345-3068, or visit www.fordcountry.com

Category: Features, News & Updates

Kenny Rogers and The Oak Ridge Boys will headline the Saturday, Sept. 11^th at the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Concert.  The annual concert is the opening of the week-long activities of the world famous Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon..

Round-Up publicity director Carl Culham talks about these iconic groups with reverence.

“There’s over 100 years of performance experience and success between these two acts,” he said.  “It’s very appropriate for the Round-Up centennial year to have artists like these that know how to put on a great show.  We are excited to be able to bring these legends to Pendleton.”

Happy Canyon publicity director Michael Corey agrees.

“When you think of country music icons, Kenny Rogers and the Oak Ridge Boys are at or near the top of the list,” he said.  “These artists have seen it all, done it all, and are now coming to Round-Up and Happy Canyon to kick off a special year.  We’re really looking forward to what will be literally, a legendary show.”

Tickets for the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Concert are still available.  People are invited to call the Round-Up/Happy Canyon ticket office at 1-800-457-6336, 541-276-2553, Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.

Category: Events, News & Updates

The East Oregonian now offers two books showcasing the Pendleton Round-Up’s rich history.

“Pendleton Round-Up at 100″ is the comprehensive story of Oregon’s legendary rodeo. Featuring more than 900 photographs, many never before published, in 304 pages, this is the authoritative history of the first 100 years. “The Centennial Pendleton Round-Up in Photos” publishes in mid-November and is available only through pre-order. It is 128 pages will be filled with more than 150 photos of the 2010 event. You may see details and order at www.eastoregonian.com/roundupbook or call (503) 385-4911.

Books are available at the Pendleton Round-Up Retail Store,  located inside the Hall Of Fame building.  Hall Of Fame is directly across from the Round-Up arena at 1114 SW Court Avenue in Pendleton.

Category: News & Updates

Are you Tough Enough to Wear Pink? If so, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s “Pink Garter Challenge”. The “Pink Garter Challenge” is a fundraising event and community awareness activity to support programs in the area for breast cancer patients. It is also a perfect Pre-Round Up Kick Off for the local community.
To get involved in this event, simply purchase your garter at one of the following outlets: Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, Marla June’s, Loftus Jewelers, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Banner Bank, Round Up Retail Store/ Office, CK South Salon, Round Up Athletic Club, and D & B Supply. The cost of the garter is just $20.
Then mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 17th. Wear your garter during the business day in your place of employment along with your “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” attire. Your garter and your attire will signify your support for those who have survived cancer and those who are currently undergoing treatment. Then attend the (21 and over) reception at the Pendleton Elks Lodge from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. The ticket affixed to your garter is your ticket to the event. You will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, two complimentary adult beverages, and entertainment provided by the “Front Porch” Band.
The evening will be an opportunity to wear your Tough Enough to Wear Pink wardrobe and officially kick off this season of awareness as we look towards the major event that will be incorporated in the Pendleton Round Up.
All of the proceeds from this event will remain in the local community and will be distributed to
local cancer patients through the St. Anthony Hospital Breast Cancer Specialists Team and the Cancer Community Renewal Project.
For further information, please contact Tammy Dennee – 541-276-7330 or Rebecca Hawkins Zollman – 541-310-0092.

Category: News & Updates

Time to think about the WILD COW MILKING event

The office will begin taking entries on August 23rd.  The fee is $200 per team, ($100 per person).    Entries available  at the office located inside the Hall Of Fame building at 1114 SW Court~ across the street from the Round-Up Grounds.  Or you may phone the office at 1-800-457-6336 to sign up. When phoning to enter, you will need to provide a credit card for the entry fee.

Fifteen (15) teams will compete on Wednesday, September 15th and Fifteen (15) teams will compete on Friday, September 17th.

The top five (5) teams from each day will compete on Saturday, September 18th, during the finals

WILD COW MILKING RULES for the 2010 PENDLETON ROUND-UP

1.         Entry fees must be paid at the time teams are entered – No Exceptions.  Credit cards are accepted.  Releases can be faxed or mailed to contestants that pay by phone, but must be returned by the Friday prior to Round-Up or that team will be dropped.

2.         First 30 paid teams will compete.  First teams paid will have priority as to days,

15 teams Wednesday; 15 teams Friday; top five from each day will move to finals on Saturday.

3.         The roper will be the spokesman for the team and the only one to get checks.

4.         No trade after list is completed (Friday prior to Round-Up).

5.         One legal catch – slick around the neck.

6.         No milking when cow is down.

7.         No inhumane treatment of animals (any team intentionally choking down or dragging an animal, will forfeit all money and be immediately disqualified from further competition).

8.         Milk must run out of bottle.

9.         Any roper or mugger using anyone other than the roper or mugger that has signed a release will forfeit all money and be disqualified.  The only exception will be for injuries.  If a roper or mugger has to be replaced due to injury prior approval is required from the committee representative.

10.       Contestant number must be worn by both members of a team.

11.       Roper’s will enter arena just prior to the event from the gate by the stripping chute.

12.       Roper’s and muggers will obey all committee restrictions such as when to enter arena and where to be in the arena.  Failure to do so will be disqualification for that year.

13.       Judges decision will be final.

14.       Because of an increase in attendance for the 100^th Anniversary, no passes will be available this year.

15.       Please keep in mind that the Pendleton Round-Up Assoc. wants to continue to keep Wild Cow Milking as an event for local competitors.  However, keeping this non-sanctioned event depends largely upon the competitors and their conduct.  Treat the animals with respect and remember that it only takes one laps in good judgment to ruin, or worse yet, eliminate this event.

Category: Events, News & Updates

For many, the Friday we spend in Pendleton will be one of the best days of their Cycle Oregon experience. And, while the Round-Up itself doesn’t start until the afternoon, there are related festivities that promise to keep a smile on your face from the moment you arise until the moment you (attempt to) go to sleep.

The day begins at 9 am with the Westward Ho! Parade, which pays tribute to the early days of the West and the pioneers whose descendants participate in the Round-Up. To commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the event, the parade will be led by 100 flag-bearing riders on horseback, followed by a procession of covered wagons, Mormon carts, buggies, surreys and all manner of authentic Old West transport.

Then it’s off to the Round-Up, where we’ll be treated to an afternoon of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping, barrel racing and bull riding. We’ll also enjoy a procession of the area Tribes and Native American dancing.

Each day the Round-Up will also feature a “throwback event” from years gone by, and on Friday we’ll also get to see the serpentine, which is a magnificent procession of horses that snakes its way through the grounds. The serpentine begins before the official 1:15 Round-Up start time, so plan to get there early.

Request a wine spritzer at your own peril

Those who want to mix it up with the crowd during the rodeo are sure to love the world-famous “Let ‘er Buck Room.” At this particular watering hole you can have any beverage you like as long as it’s hard liquor. Requests for beer will be politely declined and requests for wine or umbrella drinks are likely to end badly.

If this is your first experience with rodeo, you’re in for a treat. The basics of each event will be outlined in the Round-Up program. If you’d like to “learn the ropes” before you arrive, this primer is a good place to start.

Just across the street from the Round-Up grounds is a gift shop and a great Round-Up Museum and Hall of Fame that is highly worthwhile.

The final event of the day is the Happy Canyon Night Show. This historical pageant tells the story of how the West was settled, from the perspective of the pioneers as well as the local Indian tribes, and it effectively showcases and celebrates both cultures. In many cases, different roles in the show have been passed down through multiple generations of family members. Happy Canyon is punctuated by a fireworks display and, for the daring, music and dancing at Goldie’s at the Canyon followed by general revelry that should be winding down at about the same time we need to saddle up for Saturday’s epic climb.

Let ‘er Bike!                                                           Blog post written by Dean Rodgers of Cycle Oregon

Category: Events, Visiting Pendleton