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

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

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

In September 1910, the first Pendleton Round-Up drew a crowd of 7,000 spectators. It was an instant sensation, and over the past one hundred years the gathering has grown in popularity and size into what is now a four-day event attracting visitors from around the world.
One hundred years later, Western Crossings, LLC is proud to present Let’er Buck Cologne, the official fragrance of the Pendleton Round-Up. It is that same cowboy spirit that was first captured in 1910 that we hope to embody in our unique fragrance for men.

Let’er Buck Cologne will be available in the Pendleton Round-Up Retail Store, located inside the Hall Of Fame Building at 1114 SW Court Avenue in Pendleton Oregon ~ Fragrance will be available September 1st, 2010

The Offical Fragrance Of The Pendleton Round-Up

About Let’er Buck Cologne: Let’er Buck Cologne is a limited edition, vintage cologne spray – and the official
fragrance of the legendary Pendleton Round-Up. The cologne bottle sits in a durable tin base, secured with a tin cap to allow for easy travel. A unique creation combining citrus top notes with alluring spices and warm, so$ woods. Bergamot and mandarin notes are combined with lavender and a spice accord of nutmeg and clary sage. This is blended into a base of white amber, sensious musk and warm sandalwood.

Pro Rodeo Sponsorships: Let’er Buck Cologne is proud to be official sponsors of WPRA NW Barrel Racer Jodi Hoctor and PRCA Steer Wrestler Blake Knowles (son of former National Finals Rodeo Saddle Bronc Riding Average Winner and current ESPN Pro Rodeo commentator Butch Knowles).

Category: Features, News & Updates

Pendleton Round-Up Receives Award

The Pendleton Round-Up, which has exhibited the traditions of the west for a century and become a defining event for Eastern Oregon, has been named an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission.

The Pendleton Round-Up is only the second event given the honor. The first went last year to the Oregon State Fair, which began when Abraham Lincoln was president and has since attracted more than 44 million people to its events and activities.

“The Heritage Commission wants to recognize those traditions that have helped define the state,” said Commission chairman George Kramer. “They are distinguished events that are part of our heritage as Oregonians. This is certainly true of the Round-Up.”

“It’s a great honor to become only the second event in the great state of Oregon to receive the Oregon Heritage Tradition designation,” Round-Up Director Carl Culham said. “The Round-Up is pleased that the spirit of volunteerism and respect for tradition that the rodeo is dedicated to is being recognized on a state-wide basis.”

The Pendleton Round-Up Association traces its beginnings back to 1910 when a group of Pendleton businessmen headed by Roy Raley volunteered to incorporate the Northwestern Frontier Celebration Association as a non-profit entity. This group organized the first Round-Up as entertainment that gave tribute to bronc busting and American Indian dancing.

Now the association’s 17 volunteer directors, supported by a paid office staff of five and joined by two-ex-officio members, direct more than 900 volunteers to make the event a reality the second full week of September. The famed grass arena still shows off saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and steer roping that is like it was in 1910 and other events of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. About 30,000-40,000 spectators attend annually, including an encampment of 300 plus teepees.

It is estimated that the Round-Up brings at least a $50 million benefit every year to the service organizations, school groups and businesses. Books and films about the Round-Up have helped make Pendleton a destination for western heritage tourists. Unlike other major rodeos, the Round-Up stands fast in saluting its heritage. Sponsor signs and other commercial elements are not allowed in the arena, making the event held the second full week of September a true example of the rodeos of a century ago.

An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrates a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state, said Commission coordinator Kyle Jansson.

The Oregon Heritage Commission coordinates efforts to solve statewide heritage issues through grants, education, and advocacy, and also promotes heritage tourism efforts.

Category: Events, Features, News & Updates

Due to the enormous demand for tickets the Friday and Saturday 2010 performances of the Centennial Round-Up are sold out. We appreciate all of your support and excitement for this event. We look forward to celebrating our Centennial with you. Let ‘er Buck!

Category: News & Updates

Due to the enormous demand for tickets Saturday, 2010 performance of the Centennial Round-Up is sold out. We appreciate all of your support and excitement for this event. We look forward to celebrating our Centennial with you. Let ‘er Buck!

Category: News & Updates

Meeting Date/Time: April 13th, 6:00-7:00 pm
Location: ODOT Dist. 12 Office, 1327 SE 3rd Street, Pendleton (near Red Lion Inn).

The meeting is being held to provide local residents, community members, business owners and others in the area an opportunity to hear information, review plans and schedules, and to ask questions regarding the ODOT Court/Dorion Ave. Upgrade Project in Pendleton.

The Court/Dorion Avenue Upgrade Project is reconfiguring the Court/Dorion/Westgate/RR crossing intersection, upgrading pavement along Court and Dorion Avenues from the RR crossing to SE 9th street and constructing a weigh scale turn-out along Oregon Highway 11, 13 miles east of Pendleton. Work on the intersection reconfiguration and OR 11 turn-outs is on-going. Court and Dorion Continue reading…

Category: News & Updates

Seated left to right are Chief Jesse Jones, Jim Rosenberg and Chief Gary Burke. Standing from left to right are Round-Up President Randy Severe, Chief Carl Sampson, Chief Bill Burke and Parade Director Billy Lorenzen.

The Round-Up’s Westward Ho! Parade will be led by five men who represent families with 100 years of involvement with the rodeo.  Jim Rosenberg, the oldest living president of the Round-Up Association, will mount up with Bill Burke, Gary Burke, Jesse Jones Jr. and Carl Sampson — the four chiefs of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation — to lead the centennial procession on Sept. 17.

Not only close friends, the five claim a relationship to each other.

“We’re all related,” Sampson said with a smile. Rosenberg said while the four have an obvious tribal tie, he considers himself related to the chiefs.

“Years ago I cut my palm and shared my blood with Popcorn Burke (Gary’s father), Continue reading…

Category: News & Updates