(Graphic courtesy of Crooked River Roundup)
Crooked River Roundup Rodeo Returns to the Cowboy Capital of Oregon for its 79th Year
For 79 years Crook County has welcomed rodeo fans to one of Oregon’s oldest family-friendly events — the historic Crooked River Roundup (CRR) rodeo, presented by Papé, Oregonians Credit Union, Fortis, Les Schwab, Pendleton Whisky and Ninebark Real Estate, nightly performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22. Tickets are available for purchase now, online only! Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early due to sellout crowds happening every year.
Crooked River Roundup is an innovator in rodeo, bringing something new to fans and contestants every year. CRR has become well known among the contestants competing in roping and steer wrestling events, as they will be running from a lane rather than a traditional roping chute, creating major excitement and high speeds. CRR was one of the first rodeos in the Columbia River Circuit to include women’s breakaway roping. The fun and fresh ideas don’t stop there! During the rodeo performance, hundreds of kids come down from their seats for a chance to win prizes by pulling a ribbon off calves’ tails in the famous calf scramble that has been a staple event since the inception of the Roundup.
Along with world-class rodeo contestants, CRR welcomes back fan-favorite Young Guns. Unique to Oregon Pro Rodeo, Young Guns showcases the next generation of rodeo competitors from ages six to 18. These contestants will compete alongside world champions during CRR’s PRCA performances held nightly from Thursday through Saturday. CRR is also an NFR Playoff Series rodeo attracting the best of the best among rodeo competitors.
The excitement and entertainment continue after the last bull bucks, with a free cowboy dance Friday and Saturday nights featuring Hunter Stiles and special guest Chance Mott.
The entire community is involved in the Crooked River Roundup, which is the largest event in Crook County. The week kicks off on Wednesday, June 19 at 9am with rodeo slack, followed by a cattle drive through downtown Prineville presented by the Prineville – Crook County Chamber of Commerce at 5pm, including a street party, great shopping, food options and entertainment. Also returning this year is the Saturday morning Roundup Parade with dozens of floats, horseback riders, and excited spectators. For a full schedule of Roundup Week’s events visit: crookedriverroundup.com.
Mary Makenna Olney is our 2024 CRR Queen. With deep roots in Central Oregon, she grew up on the Warm Springs Reservation, where she developed a love for animals, rodeos, and the western way of life. Mary is currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant while pursuing her Nursing Degree. Queen Mary will travel to several rodeos throughout the Northwest, proudly representing the Crooked River Roundup.
This year the CRR is pleased to announce two deserving Grand Marshals, Linda and Rick Smith. Linda has had a love affair with the CRR since she was young and dreamed of being on the CRR court. That dream was realized in 1964 when she was selected as part of the CRR court. Linda has served on the Queens Committee since 2017 and currently serves as a CRR director. Rick was a past contestant in the CRR and served in the Army as a combat soldier in Vietnam. He is a highly decorated Sergeant who served his country proudly. Rick is also a member of the Band of Brothers and the Prineville Elks. Rick and Linda have been married for 54 years.
“We’re proud to produce one of the most respected rodeos in the Northwest, which attracts the top cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world,” said CRR Board President Steve Holliday. “Our committee has spent the last year planning an even bigger and better experience for this family-friendly event. But this is more than just a pro rodeo: The Crooked River Roundup brings our community together and allows us the tremendous privilege of showcasing our community to the world. In fact, over the last eight years, CRR has donated over $155,000 to twenty-nine local organizations.
About the Crooked River Roundup:
Produced by a dedicated Board of Directors and over 500 volunteers, Prineville’s CRR brings together community members and visitors to witness the athleticism of the nation’s top rodeo stock, cowboys, and cowgirls. Started by local ranchers in 1945 to celebrate the cultural heritage of the “Cowboy Capital of Oregon,” the CRR has evolved into one of the oldest family-friendly events in Oregon and the largest in Crook County. CRR consists of a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo in June and four days of Oregon’s largest parimutuel horse racing in July.
