Roping, shooting and more at 23rd annual fundraiser for educational programs
For the first time in more than a decade, High Desert Rendezvous, the High Desert Museum’s annual fundraiser and gala, will return to its heyday as the wildest of Western nights, with live rodeo events and games at 4 p.m., Aug. 18 at Horse Butte Equestrian Center, at the ranch of Museum Trustee Elizabeth McCool.
It’s an exciting night of team riding, roping, quick-draw shooting, frying pan tossing, card games, a bona fide Western barbeque, open bars and a live and silent auction of 20 exclusive global getaways and adventures, Western art, and private dinners.
Museum President Janeanne A. Upp said, “This signature 23rd annual event will rival the legendary excitement of Rendezvous galas of the past, combining rugged Western fun with incomparable community spirit to raise funds for the Museum’s renowned educational programs.”
In the early days of Rendezvous, Museum Founder Donald M. Kerr partnered with Lesley and Matt Day, who had hosted it at their Hooker Creek Ranch. It was enormously popular, attracting supporters from all over the state, and has become one of Central Oregon’s most time-honored traditions. For the last 11 years, the gala was held at the Museum. Recently, supporters began reminiscing about the Western rodeo nights of Rendezvous, prompting the Museum to bring its signature event back to its roots.
Many of the best memories were of the Team Calf Branding Calcutta competition, which returns this year and offers the chance to be a true cowboy. Teams of two, along with a trained roper, compete in roping a calf and “branding” it with chalk. The timed event and the winners are awarded signature Rendezvous belt buckles and a year’s worth of bragging rights. In the Calcutta betting procedure, each team is auctioned off to the highest bidder prior to competition. Half of the proceeds will go to support the Museum’s education programs, and the bidders on the first and second place teams receive 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
High Desert Rendezvous is back in the saddle!
High Desert Rendezvous is presented by Wells Fargo, The Private Bank.
Tickets: Museum Members, $150 per ticket
Non-Members: Couples: $350 (Includes a Family Membership) Singles: $200 (Includes an Individual Membership)
To purchase tickets and for information about sponsorship, calf branding teams and more: 541-382-4754, ext. 365, hdr@highdesertmuseum.org or www.highdesertrendezvous.org
