As Todd and I are on a mission to explore everything Pacific Northwest we couldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in one of the most famous Oregon traditions this side of the Mississippi- the Pendleton Round-Up! While many of you (boozers) may recognize the trusted brand of spiced Whiskey, Pendleton is also well known for the very warm (but overpriced) blankets, clothing and home accessories. Since we weren't going to spend $300 on a blanket, we decided to make the three hour drive east and check the festivities in Pendleton firsthand! Overall it was a true old west cultural experience- everything from whiskey shots, bucking bulls, cowboys and a sprinkling of Native American oppression!
Let 'er Buck Pendleton!!!
The first round-up in 1910 was to be “a frontier exhibition of picturesque pastimes, Indian and military spectacles, cowboy racing and bronco busting for the championship of the Northwest.” 
Nestled inside the quaint downtown area of Pendleton, the stadium is extremely accessible making it easy to walk around and see the town after the rodeo. Although you can't tell from the outside, there are thousands of people inside that stadium! And later in the evening there are thousands of drunkards on the outside.
We arrived (for FREE, since it was after 4pm) right on time for the much anticipated event- the BULL RIDING! Traditionally riders are awarded when a rider can stay on for 8 seconds (see odd explanation here). The best cowboys were able to do a number of tricks including crocheting, handstands and juggling during their 8 seconds, while the not-so-talented cowboys experienced more of the near-death riding where they were caught on the bull and whipped around like rag dolls. Thankfully no one was injured as it appears the human body can really take a hoof beating before any permanent damage
gets done.
The showmanship was incredible with events that included barrel racing, bull milking and calf round-ups! Thankfully only one calf neck had been broken earlier that day, but no one seemed worried since they keep a vet on site to clarify the animal died of other causes. Medically speaking, it is hard to diagnose a snapped neck on a calf with a lasso rope hung around it.
One of the most honored, famous traditions of the Pendleton Roundup is the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant. Named as being one of the oldest running, staged, historical productions (not sure what any of that means) in the country the Pageant seeks to show the relationship between the Indians and the cowboys who changed history building a Wild West empire. While the Roundup has historically been rooted in partnerships between the nearby Umatilla Indian tribe and Pendleton natives, it seemed the Pageant showed a more accurate, but creepy portrayal of the history of the wild west. In case you don't make it out to the Round-Up, here is what happens- the Indians are living on the land, the cowboys show up, the Indians all die and then the Wild West is rolled out in a wooden stage complete with flappers, drunks and wagons. Soon after, the Pageant ends abruptly and they open up the arena into a bar and band for the remainder of the night! YEE HAW!!
Adding to the frontier vibe- the local Umatilla tribe is welcomed to stay right on site in town! Apparently to make them feel "more at home" they are offered these wonderful sleeping arrangements.
TRUE STORY.
This is where all the Indians who visit the Round-Up stay...
Overall, we had an amazing time in Pendleton! We ended up living like real cowboys that weekend! We bought me a new cowboy hat, danced to the country music, drank whiskey, chopped it up with locals, saw how the West was won and even camped in our truck!
We recommend this cultural experience to any visiting Oregon.
