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 — 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—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

In honor of the 100^th edition of the World Famous Pendleton Round– Up, Oregon Growers & Shippers and Pendleton Barbecue Sauce is pleased to announce our 2010 Summer Raffle.  Up for grabs are three fantastic prizes!

Grand Prize:

The Grand Prize winner will be awarded one Family plan pass (up to eight tickets) for the opening day of the 2010 Round-Up taking place on September 15^th.  Passes include free access to the stadium’s West Reserve seating area, western barbeque in Roy Raley Park, and free tickets for the 2010 Happy Canyon Indian Pageant (rows 10-22).  The rodeo begins daily at 1:15 PM and the pageant begins at 7:45 PM.

Tickets complements of the Pendleton Round-Up Association

For more information about the Round-Up click HERE

Consolation Prize (2):

Two lucky winners will be awarded a Pendleton Barbeque Sauce Combo Gift Box complements of Oregon Growers.

There is NO PURCHASE necessary!  Simply click on the picture below to enter.

Please check back frequently for updates and more information.

Category: Events, Features, News & Updates

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

The Annual Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall Of Fame Fundraiser will take place this Saturday, April 24th 2010 at 6pm, in the Let’er Buck Room.  Admission is $10.00 per person at the door.

Centennial Contestant Number Shield

A number of fabulous items will be up for auction!  In celebration of our Centennial Celebration, one of the collectible items up for auction will be 5 Centennial Contestant Numbers.  Numbers 1 -5 are framed and ready for you to display! Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this Centennial Rodeo!

Funds raised from this event will go toward new exhibits, displays and maintence of the Hall Of Fame.  A place where visitors may come throughout the year and enjoy the history of the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon.

Category: Events, Features, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

Beautiful things come in small packages. Ty Skiver, known for his championship saddles, is crafting a limited edition series of miniature saddles to commemorate the 100^th Pendleton Round-Up. The first in the series of this miniature will be sold at auction during the Let ’er Buck Ball Dec. 31 at Hamley’s. Saddles numbered 2-25 will be sold for $5,000 dollars. Round-Up’s share of the proceeds for the saddle will be donated to the rodeo’s centennial celebration the second full week of September.

Skiver has incorporated designs that hearken back to saddles crafted by Don King of Sheridan, Wyo.

“He invented the Sheridan style of carving in the 1950s and 1960s,” Skiver, who began his career of making saddles in Wyoming, said. “His work has awesome craftsmanship. He was the Duff Severe in my area and he made some tools for me.”

Severe also served as an inspiration in the design of the miniatures.

“Doing the miniature was inspired by Duff’s work,” Skiver said.  “There’s a miniature he Continue reading…

Category: Features, News & Updates

Photo by Gary Ogilvie

PENDLETON — World-famous sculptor Austin Barton has been commissioned to create the bronze bucking horse made famous by the Pendleton Round-Up logo for the Centennial Plaza project. The artist is also creating a limited edition series of 100 28-inch replicas of the statue for sale to Western art collectors and fans of the Round-Up.

The sculptor was raised in the Snake River and Wallowa Valley of Eastern Oregon, giving him an intimate knowledge of the Western way of life. His pieces are sold in galleries across the United States and his bronzes are in many private and corporate collections.

“I’ve admired Austin’s work for years,” Round-Up Director Tim Hawkins, who is chairman of the centennial committee, said. “When I approached him for a potential commission he was both flattered and excited. I didn’t think we would be able to afford an artist of Austin’s reputation, but he told me ‘I don’t charge for being famous.’”

Hawkins said that as Barton began work on the bronze he confided it may be the most significant piece he’s ever created.

“I was pleased,” Barton said of Round-Up approaching him to immortalize the bucking Continue reading…

Category: Features, News & Updates

Steer Wrestling – Go Round 2

1 389 Casey Martin 5.2

2 68 Luke Branquinho 5.6

3 562 Wade Sumpter 5.7

4 83 Billy Bugenig 5.9

5 62 Mark Boultinghouse 6.5

6 312 Brad Johnson 6.7

6 323 K.C. Jones 6.7

8 184 Cole Edge 7.2

9 520 Trevor Scott 7.9

9 433 Sean Mulligan 7.9

11 450 Justin Pearce 8.1

12 413 Jason Miller 8.4

13 119 Nolan Conway 8.5

14 354 Gabe Ledoux 9.2

15 120 Rian Conway 9.4

16 523 Ryan Shaw 9.9

17 476 Matt Reeves 14.6

18 251 Seth Hadlock 15.0

19 75 Seth Brockman 15.3

20 631 Colin Wolfe 20.1 Continue reading…

Category: Events, Features, News & Updates