But Pendleton and its nearly 17,000 residents often refer to this little town by a different name, “Round-Up City.” And now each year, come mid-September, this little town explodes welcoming over 50,000 guests from all corners of the globe.

What once started out as a close knit community enjoying the fourth of July holiday has grown into something much bigger. Just eight miles east of Pendleton is home to the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation. Members are joined each year by Native Americans from across the northwest to take part in the weeks’ festivities, talking and sharing stories amidst the hundreds of teepees in the Grand Tribal Village. Each year the best riders in the world converge on Pendleton to compete for top prize and glory. Whether its riding the meanest bulls or buckin’ broncos, the thrills just won’t stop. From bareback riding and barrel racing to the hugely popular sport of professional bull riding, there’s something here for everyone.