Doug Smith was named grand marshal of the 2023 Crooked River Roundup.

It’s time to bust out your Western wardrobe as Crook County welcomes rodeo fans to one of Oregon’s oldest family-friendly events — the historic Crooked River Roundup in nearby Prineville.

The rodeo, presented by Papé and Oregonians Credit Union, is scheduled for Thursday, June 22, through Saturday, June 24. Online tickets are now available for purchase.

Fans are encouraged to get their tickets purchased as soon as possible due to sellout crowds last year.

In 2023 the CRR will welcome back fan-favorite Young Guns, which showcases the next generation of rodeo competitors from ages six to 18. These contestants will compete alongside world champions. CRR is also an NFR Playoff Series rodeo, attracting the best of the best among rodeo competitors.

The Crooked River Roundup has become known for innovation among the contestants competing in roping and steer wrestling events, as they will be running from a lane rather than a traditional roping chute, creating more excitement and high speeds.

CRR was one of the first rodeos in the Columbia River Circuit to include women’s breakaway roping.

During the rodeo performance, hundreds of children come down from their seats for a chance to win prizes by pulling a ribbon off calves’ tails in the famous calf scramble that has been a staple event since the inception of the Roundup.

CRR will also host some surprise special guests with meet-and-greet opportunities for fans. The fun doesn’t stop when the last bull bucks.

Free concerts will follow the Friday and Saturday night rodeo performances.

Other community partners have joined in making it Roundup Week in Prineville. The lineup starts with a Wednesday evening cattle drive through downtown, presented by the Prineville Chamber of Commerce.

Afterward, a street party offers local shopping, food and beverage options, and excellent entertainment. Also returning this year is the Saturday morning Roundup Parade with dozens of floats, horseback riders and more.

The 2023 rodeo queen is Mayzee Dalton, who is homegrown, second-generation CRR royalty. Dalton will commence her reign over all Roundup events and represent CRR throughout the Northwest.

The CRR’s 2023 grand marshal is Doug Smith. Smith has served on the CRR board for 46 years, working to build the Rodeo and Races and strengthen supporting efforts.

“We’re proud to produce one of the most respected rodeos in the Northwest, which draws top cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world,” said CRR board president Steve Holliday in a release. “But this is more than just a pro rodeo: The Crooked River Roundup unites our neighbors and affords us the tremendous privilege of investing in and giving back to our community.”

Holliday noted that in the last seven years, CRR has raised more than $100,000 and donated to more than 35 local organizations.

Beyond the rodeo, CRR will also host parimutuel horse racing from Wednesday, July 12, through Saturday, July 15, 2023. Race tickets are also now available online.