09/29/06 Pendleton part II

Pendleton II I just got back from the Pendleton Round-Up and wish I was still there. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back in one minute to tell you what makes Pendleton  Pendleton. If anyone in our country says they are going down to Pendleton about the second or third week of September you know they are going to the Pendleton Round-Up. My wife and I went this year and I can tell you it is a rodeo experience. I was told Pendleton is a rodeo sandwiched between a bunch of social events, tradition and fun. The social events include barbeques, dances, parades, professional bull riders event and Happy Canyon, a night show that depicts the history of the Pendleton area from Indian life before the white man to early settlers and rancher's experiences. Other social events are reminiscing in the Hall of Fame and top on my wife's list  shopping. The essence of Pendleton tradition is a community of ranch and city folks working together to bring to life Round-Up week. The actual rodeo is not just another rodeo  it is unique. The arena makes it unique  a tilled racetrack around a football field. All the timed events are run on the grass, which adds a real thrill to each contestant's run. The barrel-racing pattern is stretched out to turn it into a near marathon and bucking horses go from dirt track to grass in about five good jumps. Instead of the normal two pick-up men, six are in action here and I really enjoyed watching their teamwork. You know if you can't have fun at Pendleton just stay home and watch the news, but if you do go be prepared to hear and yell "Let'er Buck." I'm Jeff Keane.