Bob & Betty Byers

The Pendleton Round-up and Happy Canyon Associations are proud to introduce Bob and Betty Byer of Pendleton as the 2012 Westward Ho! Parade Grand Marshals. Both will be 50 year volunteers this year.

Bob was born in Portland and moved to the Grand Ronde Valley when he was four years old. He moved to Pendleton in 1955 with a volunteer’s attitude. “If your going to live in a community you’d better take part in some way, shape or form,” said Bob, “You’re involvement is a real prize to my way of thinking.” Bob first helped at the August work party in 1955, and joined the 1^st aid crew in 1962. Bob was elected to the Board of Directors in 1980 where he served eight years as the Hay and Barns Director. In addition to his official duties Bob continued to volunteer and assist Grounds Directors. He participated in replacing the Indian Seating bleachers (1981), building the current Directors Room 17 (1982), participated in several renovations of the Let ‘er Buck Room area, relocating of arena night lighting, erection of additional corrals, establishment of the Past Directors Room, improvements to Pavilion soil/footing conditions, and an extension of the announcers skybox over the North Grandstands. He served as an Indian race judge for seven years. Bob was elected to the Hall of Fame Board of Directors in 1989 and participated in many projects including building display cases and saddle trees. Bob was elected in 2002 to the Past Presidents Board where he still serves. In his typically understated tone, Bob stated “Round-Up is a never ending process.”  

Betty was born and raised in Pilot Rock. She was a nurse for 43 years, most of which she could be found at Pendleton Surgical Clinic. She became a Pendleton Round-Up volunteer in 1961 when she joined the 1^st Aid Crew, and has served 50 years at that station. She proudly stated, “We taped-up a lot of cowboys, before Justin Sports Medicine came along.” Betty helped Bob with almost every project he worked, and additionally carried the American Flag for the Queen and Court for several years. Including one episode, during the Dress-Up parade where her horse bucked her pretty hard. “I did not come off and the flag did not touch the ground. I stayed in the saddle,” Betty stated for certain. Betty was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998 and was honored as the 2004 Pendleton Round-Up Volunteer of the Year. Betty did mention not all activities were glamorous, “As a Directors wife, I shoveled a lot of stuff after the Round-Up every year, cause my husband was charge of Hay and Barns.”

Both Bob and Betty are very proud of the many improvements that have taken place and repeatedly mention that they are just two volunteers among the more than a thousand who serve. Bob said, “Round-Up has been a big part of our lives for fifty years.” Betty added, “It’s been really fun, doesn’t seem like it’s been that long.”

Category: Features, People & Volunteers, Visiting Pendleton

Run the Pendleton Round-Up barrel race pattern on July 4^th, 2012.  This first of kind 4D barrel race sponsored as the PGG Independence Day Barrel Race is a BRN4D, WPRA, NBHA co-sanctioned event.  This barrel race is being held in conjunction with a PBR event on July 3^rd and 4^th to be held in the Happy Canyon Arena also sponsored by PGG.

The 4D race will feature $1,000 added for the only event, an Open race, along with a WPRA side pot of $250.  Other quick details are entry fee will be $75 for the Open race that includes 1 time only for contestants and a $25 entry fee for the WPRA side pot.  Time onlys will be on July 3^rd, again only for contestants, and additional time onlys will be available for $10.  Stalls and overnight parking will be available beginning July 2^nd at $20 per night.  No overnight tying to trailers or portable pens will not be allowed within Round-Up grounds as parking area doubles as a baseball field.  Day of race tying to trailer will be okay.  Other parking locations will be provided where tying overnight or portable pens will be allowed.

More details can be found on the BRN4D website at www.BRN4D.com  under “Race Schedule”.  Entry form for this race will be available in early May and will be posted here, to the BRN4D website and be available for pick-up in the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon office.

This is a unique opportunity for barrel racers who have never experienced the thrill of running on what is billed as the North America’s largest barrel pattern, a pattern that is usually reserved for official contestants of the Pendleton Round-Up.  Couple the excitement of this race with celebrating the Independence Day holiday with two nights of PBR bull riding and you have the perfect formula for spending a couple of days in one of the  greatest Western towns around.

Category: Events, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

The 2012 Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Concert won’t feature the normal opener and headliner format. Instead, two award-winning country artists will take the stage. Jake Owen, 2009′s Top New Male Recording Artist for the Academy of Country Music, and Lonestar, on a reunion tour with original lead singer Richie McDonald, will have equal billing at the event in Happy Canyon Arena on Sept. 8.

Both the Round-Up Association and the Happy Canyon Company are excited about the two headliners.

“It is nice to be able to bring a couple of great concert acts in to Pendleton this September,” Happy Canyon President Bob Rosselle said. “The Round-Up and Happy Canyon boards are very excited to bring in the caliber of a 20-year award-winning legend in Lonestar with their lead singer back on board and a chart-topping up-and-comer like Jake Owen. These bands are sure to please all that can attend. We look forward to providing a great event to start off our wild week.”

“Once again Happy Canyon and the Pendleton Round-Up Association are bringing two of the best country acts in the country to Pendleton,” Round-Up President Dennis Hunt said. “We hope the community will come out and support us.”

Lone Star

Lonestar is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a reunion tour that marks the return of original lead vocalist Richie McDowell. Also as part of the reunion, the band will be recording a new album together. If their earlier recordings are any sign, that new release will be a big hit.

Lonestar has produced 10 number-one singles including “Amazed,” “No News” and “What About Now.” In addition, a total of 27 of their singles have made an appearance on the country charts. The group has sold 10 million albums and wowed audiences around the world. If that’s not enough, Lonestar proved they sing for more than just country music fans. “Amazed” reached number one on both the country charts and the Billboard Hot 100. As a matter of fact, they are the first country band to reach the top spot on both the Hot Country and Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Bred in Texas, Lonestar has enjoyed multiple platinum albums and won numerous awards.

“Five years has come and gone since I left Lonestar,” McDonald said of the reunion. “We’ve all tried other avenues and the fact remains that some things were just meant to be. I miss those crazy nights running around on stage making music with my band of brothers.”

McDonald will be running around on stage in Pendleton with that band of brothers — keyboardist Dean Sams, drummer, Keech Rainwater and lead guitarist Michael Britt.  The band has issued a joint statement saying the members are excited to celebrate their 20th anniversary, open a new chapter and record a new album.

Jake Owen

 Jake Owen became a star so quickly that he says he didn’t have time to memorize any country music rule book — which made it easier to toss it out the window. When he was on the Florida State University golf team he severely injured his shoulder. During his recuperation, he decided to learn to play guitar. He enjoyed success with “Startin’ with Me,” “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” and “Eight Second Ride.” He was nominated for Grammy and Country Music Academy awards for his revival of “Live in a Northern Town” with Sugarland and Little Big Town.

Now he’s rewriting the rule book with “Barefoot Blue Jean Night.” The title track from that album has already hit number one on the charts. In the past he depended on his own songwriting, but with his new album he went out to find songs from other composers.

“I got to pick songs from this amazing community of writers, and I’d never done that before,” he said. “I’d written everything because I felt like that was expected of me. On this record, I wanted to include the incredibly talented writers in this town.”

From singing in country bars in Florida in 2005, Owen has come a long way. That doesn’t mean he’s about to rest on his laurels, however.

“If you want to get better at your craft, you have to push yourself, take risks and try something different,” he said. “In order to grow and not be complacent, you have to open your mind, expand your horizons and be grateful.”

Tickets for the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Concert will go on sale May 15 at 8:30 a.m. They will be available at the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon office and online at www.ticketmaster.com. The concert kicks off a week of activities that, in addition to the world-famous rodeo and Happy Canyon Night Show, include parades, a street fair and the two-day U.S. Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic.

Category: Events, Features, Visiting Pendleton

The Pendleton Round-Up has SOLD OUT for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th

We would like to suggest you check with The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce Ticket Resale Service, The Chamber of Commerce offers a ticket resale program.  If you have extra tickets for Round-Up, Happy Canyon or the concert, you can submit them to the Chamber office for resale. Tickets will be sold to the public at face value. Tickets purchased through the Chamber program will be picked up at the Chamber office unless other arrangements are made. Payment for tickets sold, less a 15% handling fee, will be sent to participants by October 1.

For more information call or write the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, (541) 276-7411 or 1-800-547-8911, 501 S. Main, Pendleton, OR 97801. Or visit http://www.pendletonchamber.com/

Category: Events, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

SPECIAL ROUND-UP PACKAGE – Motel and Tickets to attend:
   -2 nights stay at Oxford Suites, Pendleton (Sept. 10th & 11th)
   -2 premium seat tickets the RONNIE DUNN Concert  (Sept 10th 7:00 pm)
   -2 tickets to 2011 HALL of FAME BANQUET (Sept. 11 6:00 pm)  
RONNIE DUNN, formerly of Brooks and Dunn is in concert with Stealing Angels in the Happy Canyon outdoor arena. See this concert from premium seating under the stars, and enjoy the outdoor beer garden with your friends, after the concert. The HALL of FAME BANQUET guests will welcome 4 new inductees. They include Flint Rasmussen Pendleton’s much beloved rodeo and PBR clown; Wes Grilley local long-time volunteer and friend; John Spain who won the very first saddle presented by the Round-Up; and Kenny Stanton who won Pendleton Championships in ’64, ’66, 70 and 75. Total package cost is $385. Very limited availability so CALL 541-276-2553  or  800-457-6336; ask for Chrissy and reference “Special Round-Up Package.”

Category: Events, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

 Hundreds of museums celebrate the American West (including more than a few east of the Mississippi).  But which ones stand out?

 True West magazine’s September 2011 issue features the “True West Museums of the Year,” on newsstands August 23.

 Top Western History Museums are:

10.  Clark County Museum, Henderson, NV

9.   Nat’l Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK

8.   Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix, AZ

7.   Draper Museum of Nat’l History, Cody, WY

6.   Van of Enchantment, Statewide, based in Santa Fe, NM

5.   John Brown Museum State Historic Site, Osawatomie, KS

4.   National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Leadville, CO

3.   The Autry in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA

2.   Western Heritage Center, Billings, MT

And the Top Western Museum for 2011…Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, Golden, CO!

         Among the Honorable Mentions for top Western History Museum is the Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame in Pendleton, Oregon. Contributing Editor Johnny D. Boggs cited the Hall of Fame for offering visitors “more than 100 years of history of one of the West’s greatest rodeo festivals.”

Four-time Spur Award-winning writer Johnny D. Boggs selected the winners for this annual award based on his extensive travels, research and firsthand experiences in visiting Western museums each year. Museums also submitted 2010 visitation data and exhibit information to assist the magazine in making its final selections.

True West magazine is in its 58th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit http://www.twmag.com or call 888-687-1881.

Category: Features, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn’s musical history speaks for itself. He has twice been named BMI country songwriter of the year and was Billboard magazine’s best country songwriter in 1996. He was also named the Gospel Music Association songwriter of the year for “Believe.” He has received 23 BMI Million Airplay awards for songs he wrote that have attained 1-million or more plays on radio stations. He has also been inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tickets for the concert will be available at the Round-Up and Happy Canyon office on Southwest Court Avenue at 8:30 a.m. May 19.

Ticket prices are: Let’er Buck Seating 130.00,   Limited Let’er Buck Seating 95.00,  Box/Seats 1-9 55.00,  Row 10-30 50.00, Row 31-40 40.00  Tickets will also be available at all Ticket Master outlets, with a major credit card by calling 800-457-6336, 541-276-2553 or 800-745-3000  or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Category: Events, News & Updates, Visiting Pendleton

Category: Features, Visiting Pendleton

Are you new to the world of rodeo? Let the Pendleton Round-Up University open the door to a whole new world of sports and western tradition for you! This unique educational experience will enlighten “students” on all aspects of rodeo, from the historic events that have become rodeo staples, the ambassadors of the Round-Up royalty, the contributions our Native American friends have made to rodeo, and 101 years of Round-Up tradition.

Become a member of the inaugural class of the Pendleton Round-Up University! This free 8-week course begins March 16 and is open to the public. Each Wednesday through May 4, students will meet at the Round-Up University’s “campus” at Hamley Steakhouse to learn about the inner-workings of what makes the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon one of the country’s most unique and colorful rodeo experiences. By the end of the program, students will understand the true meaning of “Let ‘er Buck” and gain an appreciation for the broader cultural relevance of the western lifestyle and community hospitality for which the Pendleton Round-Up is famous. The course commemorates the 101^st year of the Round-Up, and will feature esteemed “faculty” such as Round-Up Directors.

Students will receive a diploma at a special graduation ceremony at the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame on May 7. To graduate, students must complete 18 strictly non-accredited credits.

Hamley’s Steakhouse will offer a special “student” menu each week during the course of the program.

PRU UNIVERSITY KICKS OFF, WEDNESDAY March 16, 2011

To view the class offerings AND FOR REGISTRATION: visit our PRU website by clicking on this link:  roundupuniversity

Plan to join the class!!   WEDNESDAY NIGHTS from March 16, 2011 – May 04, 2011, Hamley Steakhouse will become the campus of Pendleton Round-Up University, where we rightly figure a good deal of cowboy learnin’ is common place. A special Menu will be offered at $10, a price a student can afford!

To view the class offerings AND FOR REGISTRATION: visit our PRU website by clicking on this link:  roundupuniversity

PRU 101 CLASS SCHEDULE (each Wednesday):

5:30 pm              PRE-REGISTRATION         – for food and drink orders

6:00 pm              CLASS TIME                        – Interactive Lessons

7:00 pm              LAB SESSION                      – dessert, Q&A, hands-on displays

PRU 101 COURSES (3 credits each)

Round-Up History 101      Professor Tim Hawkins  March 16 Hamley Steakhouse

Queen and Court 101     Professor Heather Corey  March 23 Hamley Steakhouse

Cowboy Stories 101     Professor Randy Severe   March 30 Hamley Steakhouse

Happy Canyon 101      Harper Jones & Becky Waggoner  April   06 Hamley Steakhouse

Indian Lore 101     Cedric Wildbill & Rob Collins  April   13 Hamley Steakhouse

Let ‘er Buck Rough Stock 101    Professor Kevin Hudson April   20  Hamley Steakhouse

Timed Events 101     Professor Tygh Campbell  April   27 R-Up Arena

Round-Up Directors 101     Dean, Dennis Hunt  May    04 Hamley Steakhouse

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

Wow, Pendleton, what a celebration! We could not have done it without you. Thank you. So what really happened the second week of September? That little blip on Roy Raley’s map got a heck of a lot bigger.

Coming into Round-Up week held great expectations. Four years of planning by the Round-Up Association culminated in plain, old hard work in those last weeks leading up to the event to prepare for crowds that, in the end, exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Community-wide participation in the Centennial Committee was one key to the realized success. Priming and primping by the city and many of you was clearly noticeable. Folks at Zimmerman’s and Sherwin-Williams noted an increase in paint sales. I heard the Rent-A-Center could not keep enough beds in store for the demand to accommodate anticipated visitors. Estimates of nearly 100,000 visitors to town may never be fully verified, but I do know almost 90,000 folks came to sit in the Happy Canyon and Round-Up arenas during the week.

And what a perspective the sea of blue Cycle Oregon tents gave as we looked north past the Round-Up Grounds and Indian Village.

Not even the recent fall rains have settled the dust from that week. Newspaper and magazine articles still are mentioning the Centennial Round-Up. The new era communication of Internet blogs pop up weekly, if not more often, detailing a family’s or individual’s visit to Pendleton. In casual conversations and telephone calls from friends, the subject of the week — the crowds, the excitement, the fun, the tradition and the heritage — still come up.

The crowds were beyond expectation and put the test to all the improvements at the Round-Up Grounds. The two million pounds of steel that make up the Centennial West grandstand passed the ultimate test. The personal effort of the Round-Up directors to reconfigure and upgrade the east end provided just a little improvement for the Dust Bowl crowd, which, by the accounts of some, is still the best seat in the house for up-close race track action and a full view of the jets that made everyone pump their fists in excitement and honor.

The Round-Up still has some work to do. The first step was taken this year and now we know what we can accomplish.

Folks from around the country, if not from around the world, found out Pendleton is a community that has much to offer. One Cycle Oregon participant confided in me that visiting Pendleton during Round-Up week was a “welcome escape from the political and cultural ideals” of the Willamette Valley. Others stayed over after Round-Up to make sure they got a sense of the heart of our community by visiting Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, Heritage Station and the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. We didn’t plan it that way, but Round-Up was almost two weeks long — at least in the eyes of some who visited.

It wasn’t just the tourist that finally figured out what Pendleton is all about. More than 850 professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, male and female horse racers and wild cow milkers came with some trepidation that adding 250,000 pounds of new aluminum seating would change Pendleton for the worst. They found out otherwise. We still used a majority of 110 tons of donated hay to feed their horses; invited them to the renewed family barbecue in the Round-Up Arena as our guest; and put them before 65,000 screaming fans to make the experience of competing on the famed grass arena the best that rodeo has to offer, bar none. Add Thunder Dome to Dust Bowl and there isn’t a backyard like it anywhere.

Expectations were exceeded everywhere. The 100 American flags that filled the streets during the Westward Ho! Parade still can bring a tear of memory for the toughest and bravest that have walked among us. Even the skeptic that thinks our country is headed in the wrong direction couldn’t resist seeing who was carrying those flags side-by-side. Clearly Pendleton was of one mind at Round-Up. How about the estimated 1,500 head of horses that trailed behind those flags that kept the crowds street-side almost all morning? Then, the serpentine in the Round-Up Arena with those same flags just before Buck Off — I never would have imagined you could get 558 horses to be that calm.

Yep, it was quite a week and, just for the record in case someone asks you, it ended with 50 truckloads of stall cleanings (that is manure to most of us) being hauled off the Round-Up Grounds on Sunday morning. Even Sheriff John Trumbo heaved a sigh of relief when the accounting was done with only 168 folks lodged in the county jail for the week — 11 less than the year before. Everyone had fun and they were safe doing it.

Up next, 101 years of Western tradition. I was excited for this year and just a little disappointed that it all had to end in one short week. But we get to do it again and we cannot do it without each of you. From my view there is not a community anywhere that could pull off what we all did in 2010, and I hope you are all there to help in 2011.

Thanks again Pendleton, from the Pendleton Round-Up Board of Directors — and Let ’er Buck!

— Carl Culham, Pendleton Round-Up publicity director

This letter taken from the East Oregonian High Notes and Foot Notes. Wednesday, October 27,2010

Category: Events, News & Updates, People & Volunteers, Visiting Pendleton