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• Crooked River Roundup Saddles Up for Annual Rodeo

75th Anniversary Celebration Dubbed ‘Re-Ride 75’

(PRINEVILLE, Ore) — 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, June 24, through Saturday, June 26, 2021.

2020 marked the first time since the inaugural Crooked River Roundup in 1945 the rodeo was canceled. Officials made the difficult decision to postpone the 75th anniversary celebrations.

“We are excited to celebrate a milestone anniversary and ‘Reride 75’,” 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.”

Rodeo officials have received approval from the Crook County Commissioners and the Crook County Health Department to hold the event.

“On behalf of the Crook County Health Department and the Crook County Environmental Health Department, we fully support the actions and precautions of Covid safety that the Crooked River Roundup is taking to keep the public safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Vicky Ryan, Crook County Public Information Officer, Crook County Health Department.

The plan includes limited online ticket sales and special zones with services that meet safety guidelines in accordance with COVID-19 regulations.

Following Oregon State Health requirements, parking, seating, and services have been established to create an excellent rodeo  experience, all while keeping fans safe.

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.

“The Crooked River Roundup supports our community significantly by providing  pportunities for local groups to participate, raise money, and give back,” said Ray Austin, President of Kiwanis Club of Prineville. “We appreciate the many ways the Roundup committee makes a difference in Crook County.”

Unique to the Crooked River Roundup is the cattle drive and “Street Party” that takes place in downtown to kick off the event annually on Wednesday evening June 23. Prineville continues to pay homage to the Roundup’s history as ranchers drive cattle through downtown to signify the start of the festivities.

Non-rodeo events keep rolling with a parade Saturday morning featuring marching bands, tractors, and dozens of intricate floats.

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. “Re-ride 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!”

The three-day rodeo will start on Thursday, June 24, and run through Saturday, June 26, 2021. For more information on the Roundup and to purchase tickets click here.

The Crooked River Roundup is supported by a grant from the Crook County Cultural Coalition with funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust to support Oregon's arts, heritage, and the humanities.

• Crooked River Roundup optimistic for summer return

'It was heartbreaking last year'

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Back in 2020, the Crooked River Roundup was getting ready to celebrate the rodeo's 75th anniversary, but the pandemic sidelined their plans.

But this year, they say they're confident they can finally pull off their annual rodeo at the Crook County fairgrounds.

The Roundup's vice president, Steve Holliday, said Wednesday that community members have been meeting at the fairgrounds every Wednesday evening to prepare for their planned start date on June 24.

Holliday says canceling the rodeo last year was devastating for the community.

"It was heartbreaking last year," Holliday said. "Being the 75th year of the rodeo, and not being able to celebrate your birthday."

And when it comes to trying to work out a game plan with so many changes in COVID-19 regulations and mandates, Holliday says it has forced the board of directors to constantly rethink their strategy.

"It's just a nightmare," Holliday said.

But Holliday says their President Jason Snider, alongside the board of directors, have worked countless hours to adjust and press on.

And although Crook County has moved back into Extreme Risk, Holliday says they're trying to keep a positive mindset.

"We want to be optimistic," Holliday said. "I mean, who knows what's going to happen? But we just want to be optimistic, and we're working on things that need (to be) done anyways."

Holliday says they're building new holding pens, creating safer grounds for animals and athletes, and the grandstands will be getting a fresh coat of paint.

But when it comes to the actual event, Holliday says he understands there's still so many variables that could change capacity limits, depending on county risk levels.

He says residents are eager to get outside and enjoy their summer, and he hopes the Crooked River Roundup can set an example for successful live events in Central Oregon.

The three-day event is set to take place June 24-26 at the Crook County Fairgrounds.