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Indian Dance and Wrapping Ceremony at the Pendleton Round-Up
Some of us were lucky enough to be able to take in a bit more of the Round-Up after the second of our two live shows from Pendleton. Every year on the Saturday of Round-Up week, a Native American dance competition is held.
The prize is a Pendleton blanket, donated by Pendleton Woolen Mills. The origin of this event was a dance to honor one of the company founders, Chauncey Bishop, after his death. His great nephew, Mort Bishop, now runs the business.
This is a swan dance.
Even my toddler was riveted.
This little competitor in the hoop dance could not have been more than 5 or 6 years old. He didn't place, but I was not the only one who thought he should have!
At the end of this year's dance competition, the world's longest blanket was unfurled, and everyone one was invited to wrap a portion over their shoulders. You can only get the vaugest idea of the size from this photo — it's hundreds of feet long and goes all the way around all the people (cowboys, Indians and spectators alike) in the arena. You can read more about the day and the ceremony here.
Our hardworking production team —including our outgoing intern Jiajia (thanks Jiajia, we'll miss you!) — did a great job getting pictures from all around town and the Happy Canyon Pageant on Facebook. Hope you can check them out too!
