Jackpot is the unofficial rodeo opener for the season
(L-R) Arlington Saddle Club President Melody Tucker (left) with 2024 Queen Grace Stanbrough, 2022-23 Queen Leilani Weiser, and Arlington Saddle Club board member Katie Re.
A saddle bronc rider competes at the 2021 Arlington Jackpot Rodeo. (The Times-Journal)
The Canyon Riders Drill and Flag Team, based out of Salem, performed during the Grand Entry in 2021.
The Arlington Jackpot Rodeo is set for this weekend, and rain or shine it is one of the best rodeos in the northwest.
The Arlington Saddle Club has been active in Arlington for more than 80 years. The Saddle Club put on the first Arlington Jackpot Rodeo in 1948.
The Jackpot is not just a rodeo for Gilliam County or the Columbia River Gorge – it is one of the first rodeos of the season and draws talented athletes from across the country.
Last year, the Jackpot Rodeo celebrated its 75th anniversary and despite a lack of cooperation from mother nature – the rodeo cemented its place as an institutional event.
Saturday's forecast does show rain but that should not dissuade spectators, who will come to see cowboys and cowgirls shake off the winter cobwebs and compete for prize money.
Festivities are set to begin at 10 AM on Saturday with the Jackpot Rodeo Parade. The Jackpot parade is unique as many of the entries have handmade signs and banners that they display from horseback or from vintage vehicles.
Arlington Jackpot Rodeo Queen Grace Stanbrough will begin her reign and will hold the Queen Luncheon at the Arlington Firehall after the Parade.
From there, it is time to rodeo. The Grand Entry begins each day at 12:30 PM.
The Canyon Riders will do their choreographed show with the American flag – which has become a crowd favorite.
Announcer Curt Robinson will return to the Arlington Saddle Club arena.
For anyone that leaves hungry from the Cowboy Breakfast on Sunday from 7-10 AM – it is their own fault.
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