Seventh of Top Ten Rodeos

PRCA Top 7/10

Pendleton Round-Up - Pendleton, OR

The first Pendleton Round-Up was "a frontier exhibition of picturesque pastimes, Indian and military spectacles, cowboy racing and bronco busting for the championship of the Northwest." It turned out to be that and more. For the initial show, all stores closed. "The largest crowd in Pendleton's history," 7,000 strong, showed up for the first show on September 29, 1910, a newspaper writer reported. Today it is the 7Th largest PRCA approved rodeo in North America and world known. Pendleton Round-Up has the six major events in rodeo; Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, and Steer Wrestling. There is also another professional event that is usually held at separate events except for a few select rodeos, Steer Roping. Pendleton Round-Up is also host to two local events; Indian Relay Racing and Wild Cow Milking. Not only does the rodeo have these events is an element at the Round-Up that is unique to the rodeo, competitors compete on grass turf.





While there is lots to watch at the Pendleton Round-Up there is even more to take in. Before the Round-Up begins Happy Canyon Arena hosts the world's best cowboys mounted on the meanest bulls the Monday and Tuesday before the real event begins. There is also the Happy Canyon Night Show which begins promptly at 7:45 p.m. each night of the Round-Up with dance, games and a saloon opening from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. The colorful night pageant takes you into the past to relive the experiences of our forefathers. The shows begins with the portrayal of the American Indian culture. Emigrants, seeking a new life come to the frontier and soon the cultures clash. Fighting breaks out, then peace comes and the scene changes to that of a wild frontier town. There is a unique Westard Ho! Parade that is held Friday morning of Round-Up week. Beginning with a big bang at 9a.m. the Westward Ho! Parade begins its trek through the town of Pendleton. Here you will see most of the Indians who are camped at the Rodeo-Up grounds, dressed in their tribal finery from grandmothers to the tiniest tot.

For accommodations while attending the Pendleton Round-Up there are 7 bed and breakfast, 52 hotels and motels, and 5 RV Parks. There are many restaurants ranging Chinese Cuisine, and many steak and BBQ houses.

The official website of the Pendleton Round-Up is - http://pendletonroundup.com/

CPRA Top 7/10

Williams Lake Stampede - Williams Lake

Located in the heart of the interior of the Canadian Province of British Columbia approximately 550 kilometers north of Vancouver, BC and 240 kilometers south of Prince George, BC there is a little city called Williams Lake. With mountains surrounding the area and crystal clear rivers and streams flowing nearby, it leaves you with a feeling of tranquility. For the most part of the year, but come the first weekend of July it is anything but.This is home to the Wild West and the Williams Lake Stampede. You will see all of the op cowboys and cowgirls - international rodeo competitors from Canada and the United States competing in Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, and Steer Wrestling. The Williams Lake Stampede is also pleased to present the ever popular Chuckwagon races as well. Once the horn blows, those chuckwagons thunder out of a turning start position and then go like blazes around the track. These events and many, many more all come together to create a great family fun filled rodeo and community- wide event.

Along with the rodeo there is much more excitement and events to be seen. There are Pony Chariots, two-wheeled chariots pulled with two-horse teams careening around the oval track! Mountain Races, origins dating back to the 1920's when cowboys raced down the side of Fox Mountain for bragging rights and prizes. Wild Horse Races, teams try to saddle a wild horse and steer him across a finish line with a rider in the saddle. The Ranch Challenge, a trophy competition where teams from local ranches compete to show off their cowboy skills including team cattle penning, wild cow milking, and the pony express race.

The community center of Williams Lake is very condensed and the rodeo grounds are in very center of town so guests and tourists who are reasonably mobile would find that they could enjoy all rodeo activities and events without the use of a motor vehicle. Many of the nine hotels are an easy walk to the Stampede Grounds also. As well there is a modern campground and RV Park located right on the Williams Lake Stampede grounds complex. As to serve your appetite there are restaurants all throughout the Central Cariboo Region serving up delicious dishes to satisfy. You can find Italian, deli, vegetarian, Chinese, sushi, grills, and steakhouses, seafood, pizzerias and much, much more in casual, family or upscale settings. There are even some restaurants open around the clock so you never need to worry about going hungry, day or night, while on your travels through the area.

The official website of the Williams Lake Stampede is - http://williamslakestampede.com/