family fun at chief joseph days
From Mutton Busting to the Junior Parade, our family events celebrate young riders, big smiles, and Western tradition.
ranch rodeo weekend
Trail Ride — Friday June 26th
12:30 PM
Relaxed ride up the East Moraine at the Wallowa Lake for families and individuals, followed by dinner & auction in the Thunder Room.
Ranch Rodeo — Saturday June 27th
2:00 PM
Harley Tucker Memorial Arena
Local cowboys & cowgirls in exciting, events like sorting, doctoring, branding, etc. Kids in attendance can participate in a stick horse race!
Date: Wednesday July 22, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Harley Tucker Memorial Arena
Who Can Participate:
Kids and adults with alternative needs of all ages
No pre-entry required
Registration happens on-site the morning of the event
Events May Include:
Dummy Roping
Stick Horse Races
Boot Races
Goat Ribbon Pull
Kids Barrel Pattern (older age division)
Fun Western-themed games
What to Bring:
Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable clothes
Water & sunscreen
Parent/guardian for on-site waiver
Safety Notes:
All events are supervised
Helmets welcome
Age-appropriate activities
All kids receive recognition
buckaroo rodeo
mutton busting
When: During each PRCA performance Wednesday & Thursday
Eligibility:
Ages 4–7
Must weigh under 60 lbs
If your child has previously entered Chief Joseph Days Mutton Busting, they are NOT eligible to enter again.
Entry Details:
This is a drawn entry, not first-come-first-served.
Entries taken ONLY in person at:
Sports Corral
401 N Main Street, Joseph OREntry Date: July 8 (until closing time)
Must be present to sign up — no call-in or email entries
Choosing Your Performance:
Participants choose ONE preferred performance night
May only choose one day
Drawing Info:
Drawing for 8 riders Wednesday and 8 riders Thursday happens July 8
Parents/guardians of drawn riders will be called July 9 with confirmation
Gear Requirements:
Helmets are NOT provided
A parent/guardian must supply a properly fitted helmet for the rider
Protective vests encouraged
family night at chief joseph days rodeo
Day: Wednesday July 22, 2026 7 PM
Theme: Family Night at the Rodeo
What Makes Family Night Special:
Children 6 and under are FREE (bench seating only)
Family-friendly PRCA performance
A great introduction to rodeo action for first-time kids
Relaxed, affordable night perfect for young families
Special Family Night Activities
The Thunder Room
Bounce house for kids
Mechanical bull rides
Family-friendly hangout environment
(Thunder Room activities available before and after the performance)
Family-Friendly Dance
Held after the rodeo in the Thunder Room
$5 cover charge
Open to families of all ages
A fun, upbeat way to end the night
And Much More…
Vendor food favorites
Kid-friendly treats
Appearance by rodeo royalty
Mutton Busting’s littlest riders competing under the lights
A welcoming, Western atmosphere designed with families in mind
Junior parade
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Line-Up: 9:00 AM at the Methodist Church — 3rd St & Lake Street
Overview:
The CJD Junior Parade is always a crowd favorite, featuring over 100 kids — from infants to teens — dressed in costumes, riding decorated bikes, wagons, scooters, and more.
Kids parade north down Main Street and finish by the Joseph Community Center.
Awards & Prizes:
Top 3 places win cash prizes in 7 categories
Grand Prize: $100 cash
All kids receive a free ice cream cone from R&R Drive-In
Grand Prize Winner is invited to ride in the Grand Parade on Saturday
Official Rules:
Maximum age: 17
No licensed motorized vehicles unless operated by the child participant
(No full-size cars/trucks)Late entries accepted at lineup at 9 AM
Pets allowed if leashed & supervised
Categories Include:
Small Fry- Ages 0-5
Costumes- Ages 6-9
Costumes- Ages 10-17
Floats- Trailers, Etc.
Riding- Any Horse Or Mule.
Marching Groups- Larger Groups With 6+ Contestants
Wheels: 4-Wheelers, Side-by-Side, Tractor, Etc. (No Regular Licensed Car/Truck)