For 8 years Jess Cain served as Treasurer and General Manager of the Crooked River Roundup. At the age of 83 he was the honored guest of the 13th Crooked River Roundup. He is still referred to as the “Father of the Roundup”, as he had been instrumental in establishing the professional rodeo in Prineville.
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The following is an excerpt from “The Pioneer Story” by Elsie Stover that was published in 1950.
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“In 1945, Jess and Ina Cain moved to town, to Prineville. Sonny and his wife stayed on the ranch. It looked at first like Jess might be through actually handling cattle, but not for long. That fall, while they were getting used to living away from the ranch, the talk began to go around that Prineville needed a good, well run rodeo. The talk caught at Jess’ imagination. Sure, he was 70 years old, but that didn’t seem like very old, not to Jess Cain.”
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“A group of ranchers got together with Jess, they talked and talked some more, and then it was settled. Jess was to manage it, with the life time of skill at managing things for success. So they planned a rodeo out there at the grounds where it is today. There wasn’t much in the way of accommodations, but there was a start. Jess got stock from Pat Fisk for the first rodeo and it turned out to be a whopping success.”
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“That fall the Crooked River Roundup Association was organized, and Jess sold the stock at $100 a share. He sold $12,000 worth, enough to build a decent grounds, and get started. The association bought the land, built bleachers, and got set for another year. Each year the rodeo has grown a little- each year it has been better with the shrewd, wise understanding of Jess Cain behind it, watching and making it grow.
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Photo: Cody Rheault
#crookedriverroundup #CRR2019 #rodeoatitsfinest #PRCA #weareprorodeo #columbirivercircuit #cometoprineville #prinevilleoregon #centraloregonrodeo #cowgirlstoo #prorodeo #junerodeo #rodeo #races #jjharrison #smalltown ...
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Just another pic of those taking cover on Saturday night action at the Crooked River Roundup! Just happens to be our stock contractor Jeff Davis of Four Star Rodeo. Get cover where ya can! With a smile!When it’s pouring rain at the Rodeo you take shelter wherever you can! 🌧😂#CrookedRiverRoundup ...
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Have you seen this buckle? We would love to get it back to the owner.... please reach out!
JJ HarrisonBuckles mean so much to cowboys... When this one was lost in Sisters Oregon... Montana Silversmith went above and beyond to replace it ASAP. Huge thank you to Montana Silversmith #montanasilversmith Patty Doolin thank you😊. PS if this buckle is found in Central Oregon...be cool to have the original back ...
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On September 2 and 3, 1945 the First Crooked River Roundup and 4-H Club Fair was held.
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Orville Yancey was elected Chairman and Jess Cain as Treasurer.
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Christiansen Bros of Eugene Oregon provided the stock for the show and ran the performance. A Parade was held down town each day of the rodeo at 10 am.
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The first queen of the Roundup was Fay Phillips. She was selected on the basis of the amount of ticket sales she made.
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The American Legion raised the US Flag as they have at each of the Roundup Rodeo performances since. The Rim Rock Riders presented a 5 minute drill each day. The girls from the High School Pep Club served as ushers.
A Bridle Horse contest, Cow Cutting, and 4-H Club Fair were held during the two days.
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Photo: Cody Rheault
#crookedriverroundup #CRR2019 #rodeoatitsfinest #PRCA #weareprorodeo #columbirivercircuit #cometoprineville #prinevilleoregon #centraloregonrodeo #cowgirlstoo #prorodeo #junerodeo #rodeo #races #jjharrison #smalltown ...
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