Friday, May 5 kicks off the 15th year that Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend tips their hat to western heritage and support of future western agriculture leaders through scholarships.
The event, or series of events, raises funds for scholarships awarded to area college students who are furthering their education in agriculture-related fields.
Held in the Pendleton Convention Center and Round-Up Pavilion, Pendleton Cattle Barons boasts a western-packed weekend that brings in thousands of visitors each year. Early in the week, building up to the main events, various western artistry classes are held. Makers gather from across the Northwest to develop skills and learn from others in their field. Beginners classes are offered, inviting those who have always wanted to learn a trade to give it try with guidance from instructors.
The “Tradin’ Post” area in the convention center will open at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with a variety of vendors. While cattlemen visit with representatives of feed suppliers and animal health experts, other visitors can shop for Western home décor, clothing, handmade boots and beautiful Western art.
The annual Western Artisan Show on both Friday and Saturday is an art show in itself. With entries from all over North America, the show displays amazing bits, spurs, knives and other engraved items. You can purchase your favorites, and you can even take a leather, silver or other maker class. In the main hall, on Friday at noon, there will be live timed contests to determine the champion master builder in leather and silver competition.
In the Round Up Pavilion, starting on Friday morning and continuing on Saturday morning, you can watch the select ranch horses and working dogs work cattle and compete for the Ranch Horse and Working Dog championship. The Western Select Ranch Horse and Working Stock Dog Sale will start promptly at 3 pm Saturday in the Convention Center main hall. Be sure and get there early for a buyer number and purchase a superior ranch horse or stock dog from the Pendleton Cattle Barons offering.
On Saturday, BBQ teams will compete for bragging rights in the “Buckaroo Barbecue Challenge.” Starting at 11 a.m., you can purchase a “People’s Choice” award button that allows you to sample the fare and vote for your favorites.
Evening action in the Roundup Grounds Pavilion starts at 6 p.m. on Friday with Stock Saddle Bronc Riding and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday with Breakaway Roping.
“Stock Saddle Bronc Riding is different from traditional rodeo,” said Andy Vanderplatt, president of the Pendleton Cattle Barons Board of Directors. “These are guys who work on ranches and bring their own saddles — not special saddles. It’s the grass roots of rodeo, trying to stay on young, unbroken broncs.”
Cattleman are used to hard work, and the organizers of the Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend have worked long and hard to bring you this spectacular Western-themed festival and support deserving youth with ag scholarships.
“It really gets Westen and that fits right in Pendleton, with so many Western attractions, and it’s a great way to spend a weekend,” VanderPlaat said.
For information, entry forms, tickets and a complete schedule of Cattle Barons Weekend events, visit the event’s website.
