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80 Years of Chief Joseph Days Rodeo
Joseph Oregon July 21-26, 2026
One of the most scenic outdoor PRCA rodeos in America—celebrating 80 years in 2026—held beneath the Wallowa Mountains in Joseph, Oregon.
One of the most scenic outdoor rodeos in America, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo is a nationally recognized PRCA event held beneath the Wallowa Mountains. Entirely volunteer-driven since 1946, it draws more than 20,000 spectators each year for a week-long celebration of Western sport, heritage, and community.
Logos • hi-res photos • fact sheet • story angles • historical images
Fast Facts
• 80th Anniversary • 2026
• Founded: 1946 by Harley Tucker
• Location: Joseph, Oregon
• 2026 Dates: July 21-26
• Sanctioning: PRCA & WPRA
• Attendance: 20,000+ spectators across four rodeo performances
• Largest event in a two-hour radius
• Entirely volunteer-run nonprofit
NATIONALLy RECOGNIZED
• 5a PRCA Columbia River Circuit
Medium Rodeo of the Year
• PRCA Top 5 Medium Rodeos in the Nation
• 2024 & 2025 Sowing Good Deeds
Top 5
• Cowboys & Indians "25 Best Fests in the West"
• Featured in Western Horseman
• Featured on The Cowboy Channel
WHY THIS RODEO IS A NATIONAL STORY
80 Years Beneath the Wallowa Mountains
In 2026, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo celebrates its 80th anniversary — honoring a legacy that began with rodeo visionary Harley Tucker and continues today as one of the premier small-town rodeos in the nation.
A Rodeo That Fuels a Rural Economy
As the largest event in the region, Chief Joseph Days drives tourism, fills hotels and campgrounds, and generates vital revenue for local businesses.
A Nonprofit with Lasting Impact
Proceeds fund scholarships, youth programs, and community initiatives, investing directly back into rural Oregon.
Where Western Heritage Meets the Next Generation
From the PRCA arena to the Ranch Rodeo, the event preserves working ranch traditions while showcasing the future of the sport.
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