Thorne Named Westward Ho! Parade Grand Marshal

The Pendleton Round-Up Association has named Pendleton rancher Mike Thorne as grand marshal for the 107th Westward Ho! Parade to be held Sept. 15, 2017.

Thorne is a multi-generational Pendletonian who has had the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of business and political endeavors. After graduating from Washington State University he married his wife Jill and returned to the family farm North of Pendleton to raise their two children Katy and Todd.

In 1972 Thorne was elected to the Oregon State Senate and served for 18 years. Although serving with distinction in larger matters, he also assisted his local district by championing the Happy Canyon Gaming Act of 1972, after the county district attorney declared the previous practice unlawful, and gained approval of a specific liquor license for the Portland Civic Stadium and the Pendleton Round-Up.

After the legislature Thorne was hired as the executive director of the Port of Portland.

Thorne’s Round-Up passion was planted early in his life. As a boy he stepped in the footprints of both his father, Glenn, and grandfather, Roy. After college he volunteered to help the Westward Ho! Parade, under director Jack Howard. He also worked Arena Events for director Jim Rosenberg. During his legislative service he simultaneously provided “horse duty” while supporting his daughter, Katy, throughout her reigns as both Round-Up princess and queen.

Thorne was elected to the Pendleton Round-Up Board of Directors in 2006 and served directorships in publicity, concessions and sponsors. From 2008 to 2010 he chaired the Long Range Planning Committee and led the construction of the Centennial West Grandstand, refurbishing the arena track and new livestock pens. He also co-chaired the Centennial Plaza project, which created the beautiful Court Street plaza, decorative fencing and bucking horse bronze. These projects came in on time and under budget to welcome a record number of centennial guests.

Thorne’s volunteer service continued after his retirement from the official board. He and his wife Jill promote Pendleton at the Rodeo Way during the Wrangler National Finals in Las Vegas each December. Together the procured the 1913 Roy Raley saddle and have it displayed at the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame. Currently Mike is working on coordinating activities to help Blue Mountain Community College establish an agricultural education facility on the Round-Up grounds and build a home for the BMCC Rodeo Team.

“Outside of my family, this is the most prestigious recognition I have ever received,” said Thorne. “Although I have been fortunate to be a part of many endeavors, to be acknowledged by your home town is the most gratifying acceptance one could receive.”