(Crooked River Roundup 2019 | Photo by Ashley Kendall Photography)
Crook County will once again welcome rodeo fans to one of Oregon’s oldest family-friendly events — the historic Crooked River Roundup. The Roundup is scheduled to take place Thursday-Saturday, June 24-26, 2021 at the Crook County Fairground Susie Yancy Pape’ Arena, in Prineville. 2020 marked the first time since the inaugural Crooked River Roundup, in 1945, the rodeo has ever been canceled. Officials made their most difficult decision to postpone the 75th anniversary celebrations last year.
“We are excited to celebrate a milestone anniversary and ‘Reride 75’ in 2021,” said Crooked River Roundup president Jason Snider. “Our rodeo committee has spent the last year planning precautionary measures to ensure the safety of rodeo participants and attendees.”
Snider said the economic impact of the rodeo and its ability to help the community recover from the year-long pandemic was a significant factor in the decision to host this year’s event. Over the last five years, the Roundup has raised and donated more than $75,000 to 35 local organizations.
Sponsors have been more than excited to support the rodeo, and stepped up with generous contributions to help make sure this Roundup is the best ever.
This year’s rodeo will set many records, including the largest number of contestants (550+) in the event’s history, along with the largest purse (prize money) ever awarded, totaling over $100,000. Top competitors from around the country have entered this year’s rodeo, including several World Champions.
For fans, the new Room 75 provides the best seats in the house and a special VIP experience including catered food, a dedicated bar and gift bags.
The Live Zone is rodeo’s biggest party for those who want to watch the rodeo on the video wall while hanging out with friends, with access to the Main Street area — which features numerous new food venders — and where fans will find the most amazing selection of rodeo merchandise ever available at the Roundup.
Also new this year, the Crooked River Roundup will be a qualifying rodeo for the American Semifinals in Ft. Worth, Texas, which will be held prior to the American in Arlington, Texas in March, 2022.
In addition to the traditional rodeo events, Eh Capa Bareback Riders will wow fans during every performance. Known for their horsemanship skills, professionalism and dedication to perfection, Eh Capa’s riders excite audiences with their fast-paced display of exquisite bareback and bridle-less riding, loping through tightly timed and precise patterns and leaping over jumps — with some using no reins. Riders range in age from eight to 19, and perform in full costume.
Unique to the Crooked River Roundup is the cattle drive that takes place along Main Street to kick off the event. This sight continues to pay homage to the Roundup’s history as ranchers drive cattle through downtown to signify the start of the festivities, followed by the Street Party sponsored by the Prineville Chamber of Commerce, all happening Wednesday evening.
Queen Emily McDaniel Lauman and Grand Marshals Mike and Donna Mohan will make history, reigning two consecutive years after the Roundup was canceled last year. “’Reride 75’ represents the very best of Crook County and our resilience,” said Queen Emily McDaniel Lauman. “Thanks to our generous sponsors and community members, we are going to have a wonderful celebration!”
Miss Rodeo America Jordan Tierney will be in town for the rodeo, and the Posie Shoppe on Third Street in Prineville will be hosting a meet and greet Thursday, June 24, from 1:30-2:30pm for those who would like to meet Jordan and Queen Emily, and get an autographed photo.
Rodeo performances will start on Thursday, June 24, and run through Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 7pm. For tickets, go to CrookedRiverRoundup.com. Tickets are limited this year, don’t miss out.
Produced by a dedicated board of directors and more than 200 volunteers, Prineville’s Crooked River Roundup brings together community members and visitors to witness the athleticism of the nation’s top cowboys and cowgirls. Began by local ranchers in 1945 to celebrate the cultural heritage of the “Cowboy Capital of Oregon,” the Crooked River Roundup has evolved into one of the oldest family-friendly events in Oregon. The Crooked River Roundup consists of a PRCA rodeo the last weekend of June and four days of horse racing in July.
