Chief Joseph Days Opens This Week. What You Need to Know.
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH, OR — Wallowa County’s annual rodeo and heritage event, Chief Joseph days, kicks off this week. From July 26 to August 6, Participants can enjoy a week of cowboy culture, Pacific Northwest history along with a weekend full of music festivities in the striking Wallowa Valley.
Chief Joseph Days opens with a host of leading events starting with Bucking Horse Stampede July 26. July 27 hosts the Little Buckaroo Rodeo, PRCA Rodeo Family Night and Family Dance. July 28 will see the Miles for Mammograms 5k Charity Walk, PRCA Rodeo “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” event along with an after party. July 29 opens with the Junior Parade and livens things up with the Rodeo Friday Western Heritage Night, Teen Dance and an after party with the Whiskey Creek Band. July 30 brings the Grande Parade, Friendship Fest & Traditional Dance, PRCA Rodeo Saturday Veteran Night and another round of teen dancing and Whiskey Creek along with a bingo night. July 31 will be a bit quieter with the Cowboy Church Breakfast and Finally the Back Country Bash festival opens the following weekend August 5-6.
However, while participants have plenty to look forward during their time in Joseph, it should be noted that crowds can cause strain if not a degree of danger during larger events. According to the Chief Joseph Days Website, the town of around 1,000 can swell to over to over 10,000 during the height of the event. Be cautious when traveling through Joseph and be prepared to yield to increased vehicle traffic and large amounts of pedestrian, especially on the main street. Attendees should similarly be aware of significant foot and motor traffic through the town and be respectful of local businesses and property.
Tickets for the rodeo nights and Back Country Bash are still on available. Back Country Bash attendees may purchase tickets for individual nights or a combined package. The Bash’s 40-acre campground allows for both RV and tent space rentals at $40 a night, though individual space for overnight attendees is on a first come first serve basis upon arrival. Dogs are welcome on the campground if they are leashed but are prohibited from the main rodeo grounds. Coolers and outside beverages are not allowed on the campgrounds. Tickets are not required for all other preliminary events and activities. For more information visit CJD Events 2022 — Chief Joseph Days. Ticket information available at Harley Tucker Memorial Arena Tickets (etix.com)
