In one month, smiles, laughter and rodeo fun will fill the Pendleton Round-Up Arena at the annual Children’s Rodeo. The event, sponsored by InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) and the Pendleton Round-Up Association, will be Thursday, September 11th at 10:30 AM. The event provides children with special needs ages 5 through 10 years the opportunity to be cowboys and cowgirls inside the famous rodeo location.
Usually, about 50 children from across eastern Oregon enjoy the Children’s Rodeo. Students from IMESD’s component school districts in Baker, Morrow, Umatilla and Union counties are eligible to participate. Students register through their own school district; for information about registration contact ashley.harsin@imesd.k12.or.us.
The rodeo participants will enjoy various activities that include riding a horse, a horse-drawn buggy ride, barrel racing on stick ponies, “steer” roping, riding a pretend bull, milking a mock cow, Native American drumming and more. Participants will also be able to enjoy the theme of the day, Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Each participant receives a T-shirt, cowboy hat, lariat, scarf and a photo with their cowboy/cowgirl volunteer.
Spectators are welcome at the Children’s Rodeo, and admission is FREE to Round-Up ticket holders for Thursday. Dozens of volunteers, including PRCA and local cowboys and cowgirls, IMESD volunteers, Round-Up volunteers and community members work to make the Children’s Rodeo a success each year.
“The annual Children’s Rodeo is a wonderful event that many students and their families look forward to every year. Our planning is well underway for another great rodeo in 2025, and we hope everyone enjoys it,” said Michele Madril, IMESD Director of Communication.
Madril said IMESD appreciates the support of the Round-Up Association and all the volunteers who make the Children’s Rodeo possible.
For more information about the Children’s Rodeo, visit the Children's Rodeo page on the IMESD website.