Crooked River Roundup ready to return to Prineville on June 20
Published 5:45 am Thursday, June 13, 2024
- FILE- Jesse Brown of Baker City competes in the steer wrestling portion of the Crooked River Roundup in Prineville in 2018.
The Crooked River Roundup rodeo will return to Prineville for its 79th annual event, with nightly performances scheduled for Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22.
The entire community is involved in the Crooked River Roundup, the largest event in Crook County. The week kicks off on Wednesday, June 19 at 9 a.m. with rodeo slack, followed by a cattle drive through downtown Prineville at 5 p.m., followed by a street party and entertainment. Also returning this year is the Saturday morning Roundup Parade with floats and horseback riders.
Mary Makenna Olney is the 2024 Crooked River Roundup Queen. With deep roots in Central Oregon, Oleny grew up on the Warm Springs Reservation where she developed a love for animals, rodeos, and the western way of life. Mary is currently working as a CNA while pursuing her nursing degree.
This year’s grand marshals are Linda and Rick Smith. Linda has had a love affair with the roundup since she was young and dreamed of being on the court. That dream was realized in 1964. She has since served on the Queens Committee since 2017 and currently serves as director. Rick was a past contestant in the roundup and served in the Army as a combat soldier in Vietnam. He is also a member of the Band of Brothers and the Prineville Elks. Rick and Linda have been married for 54 years.
Crooked River Roundup is an innovator has become well known among contestants competing in roping and steer wrestling events, which are run from a lane rather than a traditional roping chute. During the NFR Playoff Series rodeo performance, hundreds of kids come down from their seats for a chance to win prizes by pulling a ribbon off calves’ tails in the famous calf scramble, which has been a staple event since the inception of the Roundup.
“We’re proud to produce one of the most respected rodeos in the Northwest, which attracts the top cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world,” said CRR Board President Steve Holliday.
Along with world-class rodeo contestants, CRR welcomes back fan-favorite Young Guns. Unique to Oregon Pro Rodeo, Young Guns showcases the next generation of rodeo competitors from ages six to 18. These contestants will compete alongside world champions during CRR’s PRCA performances held nightly from Thursday through Saturday.
The excitement continues after the last bull bucks, with a free cowboy dance Friday and Saturday nights featuring Hunter Stiles & special guest Chance Mott.
Tickets are available for online purchase online. For a full schedule of Roundup Week’s events visit www.crookedriverroundup.com
