A stock wrangler leads his horse backstage during the 79th annual Sister’s Rodeo in Oregon. The rodeo has been around since 1940 and has remained a favorite among contestants due to a historically sizable purse offering. Cowboys and cowgirls come from all over the country to compete for up to $10,000 per event. Friday, Jun. 7, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

An excited crowd cheers for one of the rodeo’s most anticipated segments – the bull riding event. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Lane Daily, 3, (left) and Brayden Jay Kennedy, 4, (right) climb over the holding fence for a better look at the livestock. Despite their young age, their parents said it was neither one of their first rodeos. Friday, Jun. 7, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Calves gather in the holding pen after the evening’s tie down roping event. Friday, Jun. 7, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Miss Sutherlin Stampede Rodeo Queen Dani Cox on her way to check-in before the rodeo court’s grand entry. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Cowboy boot clad rodeo goers pack the stands at the Sister’s Rodeo. Tickets to the show were sold out a week in advance due largely to this year’s tickets being available for purchase online. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Professional Cowboy Mitch Pollock rides his way to a $2,782 prize during the Saddle Bronc Riding event at the Sister’s Rodeo. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Seasoned bullfighter Logan Blasdell puts himself between an aggressive bull and a rider at the Sister’s Rodeo. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Leon Fountain attempts to impress the judges by hanging on for a full eight seconds during the saddle bronc riding event. The nationally ranked rider failed to place in the Sister’s Rodeo due to a technical disqualification. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Weston Bliss (8) cheers as his sister Evelyn Bliss (4) gets her hat signed by the popular rodeo clown J.J Harrison. Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019. Photo by Jessica Smith.

Originally published in 1859 Oregon’s Magazine

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Every summer during the first week of June, professional cowboys and cowgirls travel to Oregon to compete in the Sisters Rodeo. The show has been around since 1940 and has remained a favorite among contestants because of the sizable purse offerings (up to $10,000) awarded to winners in each category. For decades, the world-class talent has attracted crowds from miles away, and this year was no exception. With rodeo organizers making this year’s tickets available online, the already-popular event sold out a week before opening night. However, those lucky enough to secure tickets were in for a treat, with sunny blue skies, plentiful food and drink from various vendors, and stunning displays of athleticism by both the animals and the competitors.

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