|
FEATURED DESTINATIONS LET ‘ER BUCK-PENDLETON STYLE Think the cowboy way of life is a thing of the past. Think again! Pendleton, OR, home of the world famous Round-Up and Happy Canyon night pageant , brings you back to the authentic Western way of life this September 6-13. Always, Western and always authentic, this town of 17,000 puts out its biggest welcome mat for Round-Up week.  Photos by: RobBynum.eospn.com But this is just the start. Sunday, the Hall of Fame banquet stars this year’s inductees, and provides a touch of history and tradition for the annual event.  Photos by: RobBynum.eospn.com Wranglers, a Western shirt, hat and boots are all you need to feel ‘in’. The next four days, it’s RODEO, RODEO, RODEO. The competitors include the biggest names in the cowboy and cowgirl world who go for top prize money. The huge arena, with the grassed center, puts a whole new dimension on the events. The skill of the riders, both rough stock and timed event competitors is put to a real test. Billy Etbauer, many times bucking champion and known world wide said with a grin, “The only time the grass arena bothers me is if I buck off and land on it!”  Photos by: RobBynum.eospn.com The Happy Canyon evening show spotlights the history of the West., the lifestyle of the Native Americans before and after the arrival of the Euro-Americans. Poignant, a good deal of realism and educational. The last half of the show is fanciful, turning the scene into a rollicking, frolicking Frontier town. With the full moon rising over this outdoor setting, the live orchestra setting the tone, an occasional pheasant , Indians in their finest trappings and well trained animals including oxen and horses, your imagination will easily take you to a time and place of yesteryear. The entire week is filled with special events including the Westward Ho! Parade Friday morning, famous because it allows no motorized vehicles--- a testament to pioneer times. The Cowboy breakfast every morning and the free shows on Main Street, are just a few of the activities to take part in.
Pendleton offers many other pursuits for you to while away the hours before and after Round-Up and Happy Canyon specific events. Get in the mood, partner, by stopping in the state-of-the-art Hamley Steakhouse for one of their cowboy sized sizzling steaks. The authentic décor, including an original 1890s oak bar, is as flavorful as their meals.  Photos by: RobBynum.eospn.com Heritage Station History Museum, the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Museum, and the Pendleton Center for the Arts all offer insights into the town and the surrounding region and a visit to each one makes a nice break from rodeo arena. Don’t overlook shopping at the original Pendleton Woolen Mills and touring the working plant. Five miles out-of-town, on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians Reservation is the state of the art Tamastslikt Cultural Institute featuring the Indian culture from past to present. Many examples of Native American life are presented, including much fine art work. You will also find Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts on the Reservation. Established by internationally known artist James Lavadour, the Institute is designed to bring technology, instruction, and cultural exchange to artists on the Umatilla Indian Reservation of Eastern Oregon. This non-profit Institute houses a large printmaking studio, and photography darkroom as well as an extensive library and private studio space. Artists from all over the country seek out Crow’s Shadow to pursue their careers. World renown artist Dale Chihuly has done prints there, many of which he donated to the Institute. Here’s a chance to pick up a great piece of art at a very reasonable cost.  Photos by: Greg Ogilvie Gather your gear, and head out for a good old-fashioned time. The Pendleton hospitality is Western A-1. Who knows, you might even decide to stay! For details, information and tickets go to: www.pendletonroundup.com or www.pendletonchamber.com Remember reservations during Round-Up week are at a premium. The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce can often help you find accommodations. |