Pendleton Round-Up offers something for everyone

By Nathan Ciriano

My name is Nathan. I am from Pendleton, Oregon. I am a Native American. One thing I liked about living in Pendleton was the people. Everybody is nice, and many races are represented. People are from mixed backgrounds.

Every year there is an event called The Pendleton Round-Up. It is a really huge event that takes place during a whole week of school. It's such a huge deal that students get the whole week off from school.

Mainly, Pendleton Round-Up is a rodeo that has a lot of competitions. A few of the many events are Steer Racing, Bare Back Riding, and Native American Relay Race. Also, Pendleton Round-Up has a lot to do with Native Americans. During the whole week of Round-Up, you can set up your own tipi (meaning "house" in the Native American language) and live there in a place called a Tipi Village. It's really cool because sometimes you can stay with a friend if your parents trust you.

Two years ago, that's where I stayed for Round-Up with my cousin and my friend. On the first night of Round-Up there is a play called Happy Canyon. It has been acted out since Round-Up began 100 years ago in 1910. It tells the story of Native Americans and Pioneers living in Pendleton. Another important thing about Round-Up is that hundreds of mini-stores open on Main Street. Also, a carnival opens by the movie theater.

Round-Up is important to a lot of people, including me, because it has a lot of history to it. If you are in Pendleton during Round-Up, I strongly recommend visiting Pendleton Round-Up. It will probably be the most fun you ever had.