Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend starts today
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The 16th annual Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend begins today (Friday) in the Pendleton Convention Center and the Round-Up Pavilion. The weekend is a salute to Western heritage and raises funds to support future agricultural leaders through college scholarships.
People don’t have to be ranchers or farmers to enjoy the many activities that are planned. They include exhibits of Western home décor, clothing, handmade boots, and art celebrating the ag culture. The Tradin’ Post is open inside the convention center at 9 a.m. today and Saturday with a variety of vendors. The Western Artisan Show on both days has entries from across the United States.
Select ranch horses and working dogs will work cattle and compete for the Ranch Horse and Working Dog Championship both Friday and Saturday in the Round-Up Pavilion. The sale of working dogs and ranch horses will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday in the main hall of the convention center.
The Ranch Rodeo and Stock Saddle Bronc competition begins at 6:30 p.m. in the pavilion.
“Stock saddle bronc riding is different from traditional rodeo,” PCB President Andy Vanderplaat said. “These are guys who work on ranches and bring their own saddles – not special saddles. It’s the grass roots of rodeo, trying to stay on young, unbroken broncs.”
Saturday is also good for eating as the Buckaroo Barbecue Challenge starts smoking in the convention center parking lot. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., people can purchase People’s Choice award buttons that allow barbecue fans to sample the fare and vote for their favorites. From 1-2:30 p.m. the crowds with the buttons can sample tri-tip and vote for their favorites. The awards ceremony is at 5 p.m. as competitors vie for a piece of the $5,000 prize pool.
Also, following the rodeo Saturday night, Scotty Wilson and Music Medicine will perform live.
“It really gets Western and that fits right in Pendleton with so many Western attractions,” Vanderplaat said. “It’s a great way to spend the weekend.
For a complete schedule, more information, and tickets visit https://www.cattlebarons.net/.
