High Desert Stampede returns to Redmond with rodeo and entertainment
Claire Elmer
Update: KTVZ’s Claire Elmer spoke with some of the people who help make the High Desert Stampede possible. Tune in for more Thursday on KTVZ News at 4:00 p.m.
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Stampede has returned for its ninth year at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Ore. The event features world-champion competitors and a lineup of traditional rodeo events designed for a modern audience.
Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in late 2017, the High Desert Stampede is currently recognized as the fastest-growing rodeo in the United States. The production focuses on a fast-paced format that has helped it become one of the top-rated rodeos in the country.
The First Interstate Bank Center arena, where the rodeo is held, has a capacity of up to 4,000 people. Organizers noted that the event serves as an economic driver for Central Oregon, drawing fans from across the region who travel to Redmond for the performances. This high demand often leads to sold-out shows, with the 2022 event reaching standing-room-only capacity.
Jessi Jackson serves as the director of the High Desert Stampede and oversees the production’s modern approach to the sport. Jackson noted that the program is designed to be fast-paced while incorporating high-production elements:
“We pack our performance full of really fantastic contestants, and we keep it moving really fast,” Jackson said. “It’s a very fast-paced rodeo. We have our visiting royalty and our rodeo queens coming. So you’re going to get to see them ride really fast in the arena. And you’re going to see lights and lasers and fire. And we try to highlight a different part of either rodeo or our community and give thanks to, like, our first responders or military. So you’re going to see a little bit of everything during our rodeo.”
The High Desert Stampede has earned national recognition despite being one of the younger rodeos in the country. It was awarded the 2019 Medium Rodeo of the Year for the Columbia River Circuit. The event’s directors initially set a goal of establishing the production as one of the top 60 rodeos nationwide within its first few years of operation.
The organization navigated several challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of the 2020 rodeo due to statewide lockdowns. In September 2020, the High Desert Stampede partnered with Bridwell Pro Rodeos, Sisters Rodeo and Crooked River Roundup to produce the Cascade Chute Out.
This outdoor event was held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Juniper Arena to provide athletes with opportunities to qualify for circuit finals. In March 2021, the rodeo returned to its indoor venue at the First Interstate Bank Center using a specialized safety plan. This arrangement involved creating eight separate and physically partitioned venues within the arena to comply with health orders.
By 2022, the program expanded to include three full performances and a rough stock special section. The event has also established new community traditions, such as the crowning of its first rodeo queen. Linnae Roeder was named the inaugural Miss High Desert Stampede in 2023.
Organizers emphasized that tickets for the performances tend to sell out quickly and encouraged fans to purchase them in advance.