Welcome to the Pendleton Round-Up! 

The first “rodeos” in Pendleton began in the early 1900’s as the local ranch hands and Indians came to town to celebrate the 4^th of July. The race track was a gathering place for all and the Indian ponies were raced and the ranch hands demonstrated their ‘chores’ – or the activities performed as work out on the range.

In 1909, local attorney Roy Raley and other Pendleton residents watching the demonstrations began to think about organizing these demonstrations into a big event – and thus a rodeo was born.

The Eastern Oregon District Fair was held in the fall so a rodeo might work at the same time. On October 1, 1909 the first day of a two-day competition was held. The object was to pit man against animal and man against man to see who was better.

Cowgirls and cowboys demonstrated their abilities in front of the crowd in the arena that was actually a baseball park on the west end of Court Street. And at this first rodeo, a saddle was awarded to a man named Caldwell as the best Bronc rider. The saddle was valued at $45.

Plans immediately began for a 1910 production. Mark Moorhouse was associated with the Indians on the reservation. He and Roy Raley started planning an elaborate western event that would include a rodeo and the local Indian traditions in one large celebration.

The Northwest Frontier Exhibition Association was formed with Raley as president and stock sold for $10 a share. Sheriff Til Taylor collected the “outlaw” and “bad” horses and steers for the event. Volunteers assisted as they do today. Their lunch each day is about all they receive for helping.

The first official Round-Up took place on September 29, 1910. No entrance fee was charged but the horses received free feed. Prizes were items the cowboy or cowgirl could use such as saddles, lariats, whips and attire.

In 1911 the two-day show changed to a three-day show and was held in mid-September.  In 1934 the 25th celebration was held as the “Silver Jubilee” with Montie Montana present. In 1985 the 75th celebration took place. 2010 was the grand Centennial Celebration, with preparations including the construction of a brand new West Grand Stand and the revival of many traditional events for the 100^th year.

Still today the Indians and the white man work together to put on shows and events during the Pendleton Round-Up, now the largest 4 day outdoor rodeo in the world.  The Indians pitch their teepees behind the arena and come from many lands. The parades and events listed on the other side take you back to when cowboy, cowgirl and Indian provided the entertainment that made the Pendleton Round-Up so outstanding and famous.

Please enjoy the Pendleton Round-Up and Let’er Buck!