History
Happy Canyon has a rich and colorful history
|
1868 |
The name
Happy Canyon was given to that part of the Umatilla
River area from the Barnhart station to the Jack Morton farm one
mile below Nolan. |
|
1913 |
The idea of the
current Happy Canyon show was formed following the
Umatilla-Morrow County Fair, which was held on what is now the
corner of Frazier and Main Streets in Pendleton. Roy Raley, Lee
Drake and George Hartman are credited with holding the
discussion, concluding evening entertainment was needed for the
Round-Up crowds. |
|
1914 |
Roy Raley wrote a
show that was what we now know as the Wild West portion
of Happy Canyon. History tells us that he used stories from his
father, Colonel Raley, who came to Oregon on the Oregon Trail.
Their farm was located where the Eastern Oregon Correctional
Institution is now. In 1914 the show used a wooden clapboard set
at the corner of Frazier and Main Street. The Indian portion of
the show was to come in 1916. |
|
1916 |
The current
script for Happy Canyon began. A new structure was built at the
present Pay ‘n Pak location and the East Oregonian reported that
the last nail was driven in as the show opened to a sell-out
crowd. |
|
1942-43 |
World War II -
Happy Canyon was not held |
|
1955 |
Happy Canyon's
last show at the Pay ‘n Pak site. The property was sold to
Safeway stores for $100,000. Construction of the present Happy
Canyon facility was started in cooperation with local, state,
and federal government agencies. |
|
1956 |
The first show
was held in the present location. The new structure featured an
enlarged seating capacity for 4,230. |
|
1970 |
Pendleton's
District Attorney, Joe Smith, declared gambling illegal at Happy
Canyon. |
|
1971 |
The Oregon
legislature enacted the Happy Canyon Gambling Act, put through
by Ruff Raymond, which is currently used by other non-profit
establishments throughout Oregon. |
|
1976 |
Happy Canyon
purchased adjacent property, creating additional parking. |
|
1986 |
Happy Canyon
Directors were involved in a stagecoach accident during the
Westward Ho! Parade. Several were injured and past directors
filled in for them. |
|
1990 |
Pendleton
purchased the National Guard Armory and converted it to a
convention center. |
|
1991 |
Happy Canyon's
75th Anniversary celebration. |
|
1996 |
New east wing of
Happy Canyon scenery completed. |
|
1998 |
East half of
scenery replaced |
|
1999 |
PBR event was
held for the first time in the Happy Canyon arena on Monday and
Tuesday of Round-Up week. |
|
2005 |
The Happy Canyon Arena Roof
is removed after 50 years of service as it becomes a safety
concern. The Board undertakes a fundraising project to replace
the roof and upgrade arena facilities. |
|
2006 |
Happy Canyon celebrates its 90th anniversary with a
large contingent of volunteers representing the Night Show at
the Portland Rose Festival
Grand Floral Parade. |
The Happy Canyon Board, both past and present, would like to thank the
many individuals who, for 84 years, have volunteered their time, their
energy and their ideas to create the four nights of pageantry history
and fun that we know as Happy Canyon.
|