Celebrating 105 years of Lake County Round-Up this Labor Day weekend.

 August 29th - September 2nd 2024

2024 EVENTS

KICK-OFF CONCERT, SATURDAY AUGUST 31ST

NATE SMITH

WITH SPECIAL GUEST DRAKE MILLIGAN

PRCA COLUMBIA RIVER CIRCUIT RODEO

SEPTEMBER 1ST & 2ND 2024

History

The first Lake County Round Up was held over 100 years ago in September of 1920. When the small neighboring community of Bly, Oregon held a wildly successful Rodeo 4th of July weekend, Chamber of Commerce president Dr. E. H Smith held a special meeting proposing Lake County host a similar event. Enthusiasm ran high, and a  special committee was appointed by Smith, composed of W.V Miller, Dan Brennan and F.P Light.

Only six days following the original meeting, a committee of 52 firms and individuals was comprised, each donating $100 to financing the event. A proposed Articles of Incorporation and set of bylaws was adopted, and elected were S.P. Dicks as president, W.V. Miller as vice-president, Dan Brennan as secretary-treasurer, and W.Z. Moss, A.J. Ousley, O.C. Gibbs, and Fred Reynolds as directors. Thus, the Lake County Round-Up was established, and the date set for Labor Day weekend.

Event preparation was relentless, with over $7,000 raised and plans approved for a 200 foot-long grandstand in only a week. By August 5th 1920, R.E Taylor had begun the build, and by August 12th, the event schedule had been set. Events included ‘Aeroplane Stunting’, baseball, roping, riding and racing.

The event was a jubilant success, with an average daily of attendance exceeding 4,000 people. Despite the success, it was doubtful that a tradition would ensue due to the high costs associated with event preparation. Despite the odds, Lake County Round Up became a Labor Day staple, and continues to be the heart of Lake County over 100 years later.