Haines Stampede Rodeo celebrates 2023, crowns 2024 Court

HAINES — More than 100 people showed up to attend a festive celebration of one of eastern Oregon’s most celebrated rodeos.

The Haines Stampede Rodeo Association held its annual Appreciation and Coronation Dinner on Saturday, January 27 at the Baker County Fairgrounds Event Center. Amid the drinks, country music, bbq dinner and silent and live auction at the event, the Rodeo also honored its numerous sponsors and volunteers across the Baker County community.

The 2023 Volunteers of the Year awards were given to Aimee McKibbin and Eric Swanlund. Black Distributing was named Sponsor of the Year.

In a special moment, Bill and Colleen Taylor, who helped resurrect the rodeo in the early 90’s and have been integral parts of keeping the rodeo afloat for more than 30 years, were honored with lifetime achievements awards. 

The pinnacle of the evening was the coronation of the 2024 court.  This year’s Rodeo Queen is Ella Wilde from Keating and this year’s Rodeo Princess is Keeley Walker from Halfway.

The 2024 Haines Stampede Rodeo will take place July 3 & 4. The rodeo grounds is also hosting a slew of other events this year, you can find more information by clicking here.