Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo Raises $13,457 for Local Scholarships
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH – (Press release from Chief Joseph Days Rodeo) The 2026 Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo once again brought together the traditions of ranching, horsemanship and community generosity, raising $13,457 to support the Chief Joseph Days Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from the Friday night live and silent auctions, raffles, donations and Team Calcutta will continue to help local students pursue higher education and trade school opportunities.
This year’s Ranch Rodeo featured 10 teams competing in traditional ranch events that showcased the everyday skills of working cowboys and cowgirls while celebrating the western heritage of Wallowa County. At the conclusion of the competition, the overall team standings were:
1. Quail Run Ranch
2. Double CR
3. Temple Ranch
4. J Arrow Livestock
5. 3V Ranch
Earlier this year, Chief Joseph Days awarded five scholarships made possible through the continued success of the Ranch Rodeo fundraiser. Scholarship recipients included Camdyn Weer of Joseph Charter School, Talluah April of Wallowa School, Kason Mitchell of Enterprise High School, Grayson Hawkins of Joseph Charter School and Jenning Scheifelbein of Joseph Charter School.
Camdyn Weer and Talluah April were recognized during the Ranch Rodeo Dinner and accepted their scholarships in person, while the remaining recipients were unable to attend.
“The Ranch Rodeo has become much more than a competition,” said Ranch Rodeo Chairman Dave Yost. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate our ranching heritage and invest in the future of local students. Every bidder, donor, volunteer, sponsor and attendee played a part in making these scholarships possible.” The organization looks forward to welcoming competitors and spectators back for the 2027 Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo on June 25–26, 2027.
Before then, the celebration continues as Chief Joseph Days commemorates its 80th Anniversary during the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, July 21–26, 2026. The week will feature the Bucking Horse Stampede, four nights of PRCA rodeo action, the Thunder Room Concert Series, parades, the Nez Perce Encampment, family activities and much more as one of the Northwest’s premier rodeos celebrates eight decades of western tradition.
Chief Joseph Days extends its sincere appreciation to the Ranch Rodeo Committee, volunteers, contestants, sponsors, auction donors, bidders and everyone who attended and supported this year’s event. Their generosity ensures the Ranch Rodeo continues to make a meaningful impact for Wallowa County students while preserving the traditions that make this event so special.
