IMESD offers thanks for another Children’s Rodeo
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – The InterMountain Education Service District issued thanks to all the volunteers who helped write another chapter for the Children’s Rodeo during the Pendleton Round-Up. Special needs students from eight school districts got to enjoy a variety of rodeo activities from stagecoach riding to roping.
“To see these kids out on the Round-Up Grounds and to have their classes come and cheer for them – it’s a very, very powerful event,” IMESD Superintendent Mark Mulvihill said. “There’s not a dry eye during the Children’s Rodeo.”
This year’s crop of cow pokes came from the Athena-Weston, Ione, Milton-Freewater, Morrow County, North Powder, Pendleton, Pilot Rock, and Stanfield school districts. Each participant is paired with a volunteer cowboy or cowgirl who accompanies them throughout.
IMESD issued special thanks to Marty Campbell, who has served as the emcee for the Children’s Rodeo for a number of years. Campbell, who is retiring from the job, said he got to spend many years watching his daughter as a participant up close and personal.
“She would get paired with some pretty cool cowboys over the years, most of whom were friends of mine,” he said. “I was pretty excited to see the smile on her face. That same smile was on so many other kids’ faces over the years, and I think that’s the best thing about this event.”
IMESD also thanked the Round-Up Association and more than 80 volunteers who make the Children’s Rodeo a joyful event. They include coordinators Corinna Robinson and Ashley Harsin; IMESD staff and volunteers; Round-Up Association volunteers; members of the Round-Up Court and visiting royalty; PRCA cowboys and cowgirls; employees from the participating school districts; FFA students from Pendleton High School and Pilot Rock High School; and student athletes from the Athena-Weston School District.
Top photo is Emcee Marty Campbell, below is a scene from this year’s event. Both are provided by IMESD
