Prineville’s Hank Simmons to lead Crooked River Roundup as Grand Marshal
Kelsey Merison
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hank Simmons, a longtime community leader, businessman, and rodeo advocate, has been named the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Crooked River Roundup in Prineville. He steps into the role after Susie Yancey Pape’ withdrew due to health reasons.
The Crooked River Roundup board of directors expressed heartfelt support and well wishes to Pape’ and her family following her withdrawal from the grand marshal position. Roundup President Laura McDaniel stated the organization was grateful for Pape’ and all she means to the rodeo community, acknowledging her absence would be missed this year.
Simmons, born and raised in Prineville, has dedicated his life to the traditions, values, and western heritage of Central Oregon and the Crooked River Roundup. He is a 1979 graduate of Crook County High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University in 1983, where he was also a four-year football player on the university’s Hall of Fame 1980 team.
During his time in college, Simmons developed a passion for rodeo competition, beginning steer wrestling in college rodeo. He continued to pursue this sport throughout the Northwest while balancing work and family life, crediting his wife Susan’s unwavering support for his journey through the challenges and sacrifices of his rodeo dreams.
After returning to Prineville, Simmons initially worked for a Redmond electronics manufacturing company before joining his family’s real estate and loan business. This decision followed advice from his father to “row your own boat,” and today, the family business has grown substantially, becoming a longstanding fixture in the community.
Simmons’ commitment to the Crooked River Roundup deepened even after his days as a rodeo competitor ended. In the mid-1990s, he joined the Crooked River Roundup board of directors, serving for nearly 20 years, including several terms as president. Simmons shared that being part of the organization has been
“Being part of this organization has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Simmons shared. “I grew up dreaming of being a rodeo cowboy and someday being part of the Crooked River Roundup, and now to be selected as Grand Marshal is incredibly humbling.”
Simmons says the lessons learned through faith, family, friendship, and service have shaped his journey and fueled his passion for preserving western heritage and community traditions. Laura McDaniel, president of the Crooked River Roundup, affirmed Simmons’ impact, stating, “Hank embodies everything the Crooked River Roundup stands for — dedication, integrity, western heritage and community. His commitment and service have helped further the tradition and success of these events.”
The Crooked River Roundup welcomes fans from across the region to celebrate Simmons during Roundup Week festivities this June and July in Prineville.