Campbell likes to keep abreast of the buzz around Oregon and spread the word about the most interesting events in the state—like the 100 anniversary of the Pendleton Round-Up, Sept. 11 to 18.
I hear you’re thinking about venturing east to play cowboy for a day. Do you want to look like some sunburned tourist? No way! So follow my tips to surviving the Pendleton Round-Up. Take it from me—I’ll admit it, I’m a Pendleton townie.
1. If you want to go to the Rodeo, buy your tickets now. There are still tickets available for Wednesday and Thursday, but Friday and Saturday have already sold out.
2. By now most of the hotels are booked, but you won’t have to sleep in your pick-up truck—call the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-547-8911 to access a list of available rooms, houses and camping spaces.
3. Sign up for the Pendleton Underground Tours! My mother insisted on dragging me along when I was a bratty teen, and even I had a blast. You’ll get to walk through the underground tunnels used by Chinese workers and check out an opium den and an old-time brothel.
4. Don’t miss out on Native American culture. Check out Fancy Dancing in the park next to the Round-Up grounds on Thursday and Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. and on Saturday after the rodeo ends. A note on etiquette—if you take photos of the drummers and singers, offer them some tobacco as a thank you (I guess if you don’t smoke, a simple thanks will be good enough.)
5. Ladies, work on that backward elbow jab if you’re planning on venturing into the Let ‘Er Buck Room. Cowboys are not known for being gentleman, so be ready to elbow the guy in the gut if you’re not interested in that “friendly pinch.”
6. Put the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant at the end of your list, unless they’ve revamped it since 1999. Not only do you feel like crap when the Native Americans are defeated and the town springs up, once the chief is gone, there’s no more voice-over. If you decide to go anyways, tip your usher—trust me, you will make this fifteen-year-old kid’s night.
7. Skip the greasy chilly dog and buy a fresh sandwich at Great Pacific. Main Street fills with vendors during Round-Up, but if you buy their fried food you’ll miss out on the tasty eats at one of the local cafes along or near Main Street. My favorites? Besides GP (the best coffee in town, plus beer) try Como’s Italian Eatery or the brand-new Prodigal Son Brewery.
8. Practice your western swing before you get to town, because there’s lots of live music and it’s so adorable seeing all the couples dancing.
9. Don’t forget the sunscreen, because it’s hot and dusty on a September day in Pendleton.
10. Shop Local! Round Up is the lifeblood of this town and the only reason local businesses haven’t succumb to chain stores. Plus shopping is way more fun on Main Street than at Walmart.
And remember—a lot of townies leave Pendleton during Round-Up. Seriously, who can stand all those crowds? (Just kidding, you’ll find me at GP).
—Jenny Furniss @jennyfurniss
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