Let 'er Buck

Pendleton Oregon in September, is round-up time. The kids have a heritage in this celebration through their Grandpa Ed working the livestock for the contests back in the 40's 50's and early 60's. Grandpa Ed rode rough stock and Aunt Sandi competed in Barrel Racing in local rodeos but not at the round-up. Judy(Mom) and Aunt Sandi rode horses in the parade as little girls in the early 50s. Judy told me that her father got offers for his horses from people who were impressed seeing little girls riding the parade route.

We decided to a couple of months ago that we wanted to to go to the round-up. The nearest motel available was about an hour away from Pendleton. The first rodeo day was Wednesday but we arrived Friday morning about an hour before the parade.

They say I have a sickness with the photo thing; I made 763 photos in two days. I still do not have the parade photos sorted out. After the parade we went to the rodeo.

The town was festooned for the occasion and crowded with people in a festive mood.

They even had a caricature of me in a shop window.

The symbol of the round-up is displayed where ever you look.

Little Tommy was strapped in for a good time.

The crowd was ready!

The livestock was ready!??

The Mounted Band serenaded us with "Happy Days are Here Again"

With enthusiasm!!!
Rodeo's seem to attract a friendly group of red neck type patriotic folks and the first official order of business is to bring on Old glory!
That may not be enough flag for a crowd of this size, so it's time to bring on a few more.
By this time the crowd was on its feet and the men over thirty or so have their hats off.
Some of the younger men are respectful, but it is obvious that some of the young folks haven't matured, or just plain "ain't had no fetchin' up."
The Queen of the Rodeo is introduced next and makes a fast lap around the track on a beautiful horse. They recently revived the tradition of the queen and her court wearing fringed leather outfits. It is impressive that they can ride that fast and wave to the crowd and keep a smile frozen on their face while they make the run. Before she finishes she jumps her horse over the white "titanium" PVC fence. Twice!!
On Friday her horse slipped, nearly in front of us. They went down in a cloud of dust.I was dutifully prepared to record the event when the lady in front of me jumped to her feet to welcome the Queen.

By the time I got a clear shot. the Queen was back on her feet, her horse was at the other end of the arena and She waved to her family to signal that she was all right. Someone brought her horse back and she finished her route at break neck speed. So to speak.

Four princesses were introduced, each in identical outfits contrasting from the queen. They each took a high speed lap as well. All pretty uneventful. If you've seen one you have seen them all. (Unless one of them is from your family)
Organizational leaders are introduced and the head man in charge gets a lap.
Notice the gentlemanly hat in hand in deference to the ladies in the crowd.
(There is that lady in the way again.)
After everyone is in place its time for the National Anthem. The Friday singer was a little girl with a HUGE voice. She hit every note perfectly. The Saturday singer was another young woman with a great voice. Both made you proud to be here. The main flag pole is a tall one at the east end of the arena. By the time the song is over, the Flag is at the top of the pole.

On Saturday, just when the rockets were glaring, and bombs were bursting, in the song, we were blown out of the bleachers by two low flying F-15 Fighter Jets from the Portland Oregon National Guard. The cheers and symbolic gestures of pride and power by the crowd added to the great song that was mostly drowned out by the sound of the engines.

Isn't this country Great?

By this time the Mounted Band was long gone, and

Little Tommy was hollerin,....