PENDLETON, OR -- (Marketwired) -- 12/18/15 -- Last night, the Pendleton Round-Up celebrated winning top national Rodeo awards, including the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year buckle, Remuda trophy and other awards won at this year's National Finals Rodeo, as well as the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Happy Canyon Pageant. Joining the Pendleton Round-Up board at the event were State Senator Bill Hansell, State Representative Greg Barreto, Umatilla County Commissioners George Murdock, Larry Givens and Bill Elfering and Pendleton Mayor Phil Houk.
"At what can only be described as the Academy Awards for the rodeo world, the Pendleton Round-Up -- your rodeo -- won the top awards," said incoming Pendleton Round-Up President Bill Levy. "Pendleton is truly the greatest rodeo in the world and we now have the awards to prove it."
Levy also expressed his congratulations to other members of the Pendleton Round-Up team: Bullfighter of the Year Dusty Tuckness; Coors Man in the Can and Clown of the Year Justin Rumford; and Pick-Up Man of the Year Matt Twitchell.
"Winning both these prestigious awards in the same year is a tribute to the dedication and hard work that makes Pendleton Round-Up a world class rodeo and one of Oregon's premier community events," said Governor Kate Brown. "The Pendleton Round-Up's awards symbolize what happens when a community works together to achieve a lofty goal. The citizens of the city of Pendleton and Umatilla County, and the members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, can all take pride in this outstanding accomplishment."
"As anyone who has ever attended the Pendleton Round-Up can attest to, these awards are well deserved," said Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley. "The Pendleton Round-Up is truly a one of a kind event and one of Oregon's many cultural treasures."
The Remuda Award is presented to the rodeo voted by the cowboys as having the most consistent and even bucking stock. Directors Randy Bracher and Dave O'Neill worked closely with seven of the PRCA's top stock contractors: the Calgary Stampede, Sankey Pro Rodeos, Burch Rodeo Company, Four Star Rodeo, Flying Diamond Rodeo and Outlaw Buckers to bring their very best bucking horses and bulls to the Pendleton Round-Up.
"The Pendleton Round-Up is the greatest rodeo in the world. I want to join you in thanking all of your hard working volunteers who embody the can do spirit of Eastern Oregon and continue the Round-Up's traditions and values," said U.S. Rep. Greg Walden. "The City of Pendleton and Umatilla County can be justly proud for being home to this legendary community event."
In addition to the awards, the special event also kicked off the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Happy Canyon Company, which produces the Happy Canyon Pageant. The pageant is a show depicting the settling of the American West, beginning with a portrayal of the Native American way of life prior to the arrival of the white man, continuing with the arrival of Lewis and Clark, followed by the prairie schooners of the pioneers of the Oregon Trail and concluding with a reenactment of a frontier town's rollicking main street mishaps.
The Pageant is a time honored and favorite feature of the Round-Up, and its 100th anniversary is a testament to the timeless story it tells as well as the quality of performers.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2941909
Media Contact
John Williams
Scoville PR for the Pendleton Round Up
206-625-0075 x1
jwilliams@scovillepr.com
