Chief Joseph Days Rodeo’s “Thunder Room” getting a $20,000 Update

JOSEPH, OR – Any recurring event needs a good community space to support it. The Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, however, wants it to be more than just a once-a-year venue. As such, the Thunder Room is undergoing a major remodel that will allow the space to be used by the community year-round.

Helping them make it happen are the Wildhorse Foundation who recently approached the rodeo with the opportunity to apply for a $20,000 dollar grant. With the funds now received, the rodeo will be able to complete critical installations to the Thunder Room and make it suitable for continuous community use. Specifically, a proper ceiling has been installed, along with a new lighting system and insulation. As described by rodeo representative Miranda Tickner:

“Anyone who’s been in there knows we just had Christmas string lights up for the majority of our lighting. So, we got all of the ceiling up, the lights and then not too recently we finally got in our insulation. It is now a full ceiling, fully insulated and we’re actually able to keep the heat on pretty much all the time to keep it more of a comfortable space.”

With better heating, a proper ceiling and comfortable lighting, the Thunder Room will serve as an appropriate space for any sort of community event and hopefully even host conventions in addition to its standard use during the rodeo along with the occasional wedding. 

“I really am looking forward to seeing more people use it. We’re really improving the grounds. It’s getting to a great place where we can see the community be more involved and hopefully feel that it’s not just a once-a-year use and will want to come visit more,” Tickner said.

For those that would like to support the project further, either monetarily or through volunteering, the rodeo is accepting donations and membership applications year-round. To set up donations, contact their office at chiefjosephdays@gmail.com or call 541-432-1015.

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Elkhorn Media Group