Rodeo News

Chief Joseph Days 2021

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It is time once again for Chief Joseph Days 2021, taking place July 27th – August 1st in Joseph, Oregon, this small town rodeo is anything by small! This event is a great combination of honoring western heritage, culture, and rodeo in Wallowa County. Keep reading for all the event information!

About Chief Joseph Days

For the last 74 years in the small town of Joseph, Oregon, people have come from all over for the week-long celebration of Chief Joseph Days. The normal population of Joseph is only about 1,000 people but when the rodeo comes to town, that number can be multiplied by 10. In addition to all the rodeo fun, there is a parade that goes right downtown, a Nez Perce Encampment, mutton busting and so much more!

Credit to Angelika Ursula Dietrich – wildhorsesthunder.studio

History

Harley Tucker helped launch the first Chief Joseph Days in 1946. The first year the Rodeo was held on the East Moraine of Wallowa Lake, and the skeleton of that first arena still stands today. The Rodeo grew from its modest beginnings to one of the largest community rodeos and festivals in the northwest. As Chief Joseph Days evolved over the years, it outgrew its initial setting, and today is held at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena in Joseph.

When he died in 1960, Tucker was one of the nation’s largest stock contractors, providing stock and producing over 25 northwest rodeos each year. Tucker was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1997, the St. Paul Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame in 1980.

Credit to Angelika Ursula Dietrich – wildhorsesthunder.studio

Schedule

Tuesday, July 27th | Chief Joseph Days Kick-Off @1:30 PM
Bucking Horse Stampede down Main Street | Free Event

Wednesday, July 28th

  • CJD Little Buckaroo Rodeo for Special Needs Children and Adults | 9 a.m. @ Harley Tucker Rodeo Grounds | Free Event
  • PRCA Performance – Family Night | 7 PM @ Harley Tucker Memorial Arena | Gates open at 6 pm. Pre-rodeo Entertainment at 6:30 pm
  • Family Dance at the Thunder Room | 9 PM

Thursday, July 29th

  • Miles for Mammogram Walk | 9 a.m.
  • PRCA Performance – Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night | 7 PM @ Harley Tucker Memorial Arena | Gates open at 6 pm. Pre-rodeo Entertainment at 6:30 pm
  • Family Dance at the Thunder Room | 9 PM
Credit to Angelika Ursula Dietrich – wildhorsesthunder.studio

Friday, July 30th

  • American Legion Breakfast | 5:30 a.m.
  • Kiddie parade down Main Street | 10am
  • PRCA Performance | 7 PM @ Harley Tucker Memorial Arena | Gates open at 6 pm. Pre-rodeo Entertainment at 6:30 pm
  • Family Dance at the Thunder Room | 9 PM

Saturday, July 31st

  • Grand parade on Main Street | 10 a.m.
  • Friendship Feast at the Encampment Pavilion | 12pm
  • Traditional Indian Dance Contest at the Encampment Pavilion | 3pm
  • Final PRCA Performance | 7 PM @ Harley Tucker Memorial Arena | Gates open at 6 pm. Pre-rodeo Entertainment at 6:30 pm
  • Family Dance at the Thunder Room | 9 PM
Credit to Angelika Ursula Dietrich – wildhorsesthunder.studio

Ticket Information

Wednesday & Thursday Performances

$15 General Admission Click here to purchase tickets

Friday & Saturday Performances

$17 General Admission
$20 RESERVED
Click here to purchase tickets

Credit to Angelika Ursula Dietrich – wildhorsesthunder.studio

Krysta Paffrath

Hi everyone! I'm Krysta Paffrath, I am a proud Arizona native who has a passion for everything business and rodeo. I am beyond thrilled to be the Editor in Chief for Cowboy Lifestyle Network. With my background in digital marketing and rodeo, this was a natural fit for me to join the team. My adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit has guided me to work in many places like the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, a working cattle ranch in Seligman, Arizona, and many places in between. I am passionate about preserving the western way of life and working with different brands and rodeos to make that happen. If you're looking for a write-up, please shoot me an email at krysta@clngo.com. Learn more about me at krystapaffrath.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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