JOSEPH, Ore. – Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, in the small town of Joseph, Oregon, will feature famous rodeo clown John Harrison, July 27-31, 2022. Harrison has made ten appearances at the Wrangler’s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, won Comedy Act of the Year winner five times, and is a four-time winner of the prestigious Coors Man in the Can award.
Voted a Top 10 Must See Rodeo, a 25 Best Fests of the West, and winner of multiple best small rodeo awards, Chief Joseph Days features four nights of PRCA rodeos and six days of western entertainment in the scenic hamlet in Northeast Oregon.
Pre-event festivities kick off Tuesday, July 26, with the Bucking Horse Stampede down Main Street. Wednesday night is the first of four PRCA rodeos, with Family Night. Family night features youngsters trying their hand at mutton bustin, a crowd favorite. Up and coming cowboys also compete, along with top competitors who hope to improve their standings and make it all the way to the Wrangler’s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December.
Thursday night celebrates Tough Enough to Wear Pink, where attendees and contestants wear pink to support breast cancer awareness. Miles for Mammograms, a fun walk to raise money for local cancer screenings, starts at 9:00 am at the Thunder Room, adjacent to the arena.
Friday and Saturday nights play to packed crowds, as the competition heats up and winners are decided. Whiskey Creek is back this year by popular demand to play live music at the Thunder Room right after the rodeo, where revelers can party and dance the night away. Safe buses are provided so no one has to worry about drinking and driving.
Rodeos start at 7:00 pm each night and take place at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena just west of Main Street in Joseph. Each nightly rodeo starts with the Tuckerettes, six fast-flying cowgirls who thrill with their daring riding patterns at breakneck speed while carrying sponsor flags.
Other festivities for Chief Joseph Days include the junior parade on Friday, July 29, at 10 am down Main Street, and the Grand Parade Saturday morning at 10 am down Main Street. Shopping vendors will line Main Street offering western accessories.
Chief Joseph Days is named in honor of the famous Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe. Joseph, Oregon is the ancestral homeland of the Nez Perce. Chief Joseph was lauded for his skills as a warrior and for his eloquence, when he surrendered in 1877 with the famous words, “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
The Nez Perce host the annual Friendship Feast Saturday, at the Encampment Pavilion west of the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. All are welcome to attend to enjoy watching traditional dancing and sharing food. The Nez Perce provide buffalo and salmon; guests are asked to bring side dishes to share. Nez Perce tribal members participate in the Grand Parade on Saturday.
Chief Joseph Days was founded in 1946 by stock contractor Harley Tucker. The tradition celebrates the uniquely American sport of rodeo and honors the western heritage of the Wallowa Valley.
For more information, visit www.chiefjosephdays.com
Katy Nesbitt's accolades include the Capital Press, Oregon Cattlemen Association, La Grande Observer, East Oregonian, Wild Horses Thunder (formerly Wallowa Valley Online), and Chief Joseph Days Rodeo.
