Volunteers make Sisters Rodeo work

While the PRCA Sisters Rodeo is the third largest rodeo in Oregon in terms of the money paid contestants (behind the Pendleton Roundup and the St. Paul Rodeo) it’s number one in another way.

The local event is the largest Oregon rodeo operated entirely by volunteers, according to Bonnie Malone of the Sisters Rodeo Association’s Board of Directors.

“Volunteers plan the rodeo, seek sponsors and advertisers, mail brochures, sell tickets, maintain the arena during Saturday morning work parties, and work in every job during the four-day event. All are unpaid volunteers who love rodeo and love to help,” Malone said. “While most are dues-paying members of the rodeo association, a few are not and just want to contribute to the longest running attraction in the Sisters area.”

There are usually two to three Saturday work parties a year with 25 to 40 people showing up to paint fences, mow grass, rebuild chutes and a million other jobs, Malone explained.

“We couldn’t do the rodeo without them and we truly appreciate all the work that they do for the rodeo,” Malone said.

Volunteers created the rodeo in the 1940s and this year will be the 66th annual event. Four performances are scheduled for June 9-11. Performances will be held Friday night, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon.

Each performance opens with the grand entry, followed by the team bronc riding where contestant teams attempt to saddle a wild horse and ride it to the end of the arena. All seven major rodeo events follow, including tie-down roping, bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and two sessions of bull riding. Bullfighters, clowns, professional announcers, and exciting entertainment add to the shows.

Friday night tickets are all unreserved general admission tickets and are still available at $10 each. Children 12 and under are admitted free for Friday night’s performance. All seats are reserved for the Saturday and Sunday performances with prices ranging from $10 to $15. In addition, children six and under are admitted free in some sections for Sunday’s performance. Special group rates are available on Sunday.

Order tickets at the rodeo office at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters or by calling 549-0121 in Central Oregon or 800-827-7522 out of the area. The rodeo office is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and limited hours on Sunday.