Ellen Bishop for EO Media Group Billy the Kid gives Joe Harper of Paradise Valley, Nevada, a bit of a different ride during the 2017 Chief Joseph Days Rodeo. The event, which features four nights of rodeo action, is July 24–29 in Joseph.

Event kicks off July 24 with bucking horse stampede

East Oregonian

The tiny town of Joseph will swell with excitement with six days of Western entertainment during Chief Joseph Days.

In its 73rd year, it kicks off Tuesday, July 24 at 1:30 p.m. with the bucking horse stampede down Joseph’s Main Street. The first of four nightly Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association rodeos starts Wednesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. Rodeo tickets range from $15 to $20.

Chief Joseph Days roped in the Columbia Circuit’s “Medium Size Rodeo of the Year” in 2017. Also, it was named a “Best Fest of the West” by Cowboys & Indians magazine.

Nightly rodeo performances open with the Tuckerettes, a team of six fast-flying cowgirls who are expert horsewomen. Their electrifying entrance gets the action started. Also, five-time National Finals Rodeo performer Madison MacDonald will bring her trick riding show to each rodeo performance.

Wednesday, July 25 is Family Night, which offers family-friendly fun after the rodeo. The Thunder Room opens at 6 p.m., providing kids a chance to try their luck on the mechanical bull. Thursday, July 26 is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day. People are encouraged to wear pink and support free local mammograms.

The action heats up in Friday and Saturday nights after the rodeo in the Thunder Room. Frog Hollow, a Walla Walla-based alternative country band, will provide music for dancing. Also, a pair of teen dances featuring DJ music and a light show will be held Friday and Saturday nights at the Joseph Community Center. There’s a $5 cover charge.

Joseph’s Main Street will be lined with shopping and food vendors throughout the week. And, wrapping up the event is a pancake feed and Cowboy Church service Sunday, July 29 at 8 a.m. in the arena.

What makes Chief Joseph Days unique, said Stacy Green, is the participation in the week’s festivities by visiting Nez Perce tribal members, who participate in the Grand Parade Saturday, July 28 (10 a.m.) and are featured in Saturday night’s rodeo pre-show. Also, they set up an encampment adjacent to the rodeo grounds. All are invited to the Friendship Feast Saturday, July 28 at noon. The Nez Perce provide buffalo and salmon. Those planning to attend are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Chief Joseph Days was named for the Nez Perce Indian chief who led his people out of the Wallowa Valley in 1876. They surrendered 30 miles south of the Canadian border.

“Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever,” he is quoted as saying.

For more information, a full schedule or to purchase rodeo tickets, visit www.chiefjosephdays.com.