The 72nd Annual Chief Joseph Days Rodeo promises nonstop action in and out of the arena July 25-30 in Joseph with four nightly PRCA rodeos beginning 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena two blocks west of Main Street.

Hometown hero Derek Kolbaba, currently ranked third in Pro Bull Riders World Standings, is expected to defend his bull riding title from 2016.

Kolbaba’s ties to Chief Joseph Days run deep: born in Joseph and raised in Walla Walla, Wash., he is the great-grandson of Chief Joseph Days founder and National Cowboy Hall of Famer Harley Tucker. He will ride in Thursday’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo.

Chief Joseph Days was named for the famous Chief Joseph, the Nez Perce Indian Chief who led his people out of the Wallowa Valley in 1876 and surrendered 30 miles south of the Canadian border.

The six-day celebration of Western heritage kicks off with the Bucking Horse Stampede down Main Street 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, featuring Bridwell Pro Rodeo Company’s bucking horses.

Each night the rodeo performance opens with the fast flying cowgirls of the Tuckerettes, a team of six expert horsewomen who get the action started with their electrifying entrance. Wednesday night is Family Night, with family friendly fun after the rodeo at the adjacent Thunder Room.

Thursday night, proceeds from the rodeo will be donated to Wallowa Memorial Hospital in Enterprise to support free 3D mammograms for local low-income women. Friday and Saturday nights, the action heats up in and out of the arena, with music and dancing at the Thunder Room after the rodeo.

For high school-aged teens, a special teen only dance is held at the Joseph Community Center, one block east of Main Street, behind the Hydrant, after Friday and Saturday night performances. The teen-only dance features a DJ and light show, with a $5 cover charge.

The Nez Perce Tribe features prominently throughout Chief Joseph Days, with members in full regalia participating in the Grand Parade down Main Street 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29. Joseph’s Main Street will be lined with shopping and food vendors, and the night life will be lively over the weekend.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit chiefjosephdays.com.

Chief Joseph Days 2017

Tentative Schedule of Events

Tuesday, July 25

1:30 p.m. — Bucking Horse Stampede down Main Street, Joseph.

Wednesday, July 26

9 a.m. — Second Annual Chief Joseph Days Little Buckaroo Rodeo for Special Needs Children and Adults at Harley Tucker Rodeo Grounds.

2 p.m. — Rodeo slack for timed events.

7 p.m. — PRCA Rodeo at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena.

9 p.m. — Family dance at the Thunder Room.

Thursday. July 27

9 a.m. — “Miles for Mammogram Walk” at the rodeo grounds.

2 p.m. — Rodeo slack for timed events.

7 p.m. — PRCA Rodeo at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena.

Friday, July 28

5:30 a.m. — American Legion breakfast begins

7 a.m. — Golf tournament signup at Alpine Meadows Golf Course, Enterprise.

10 a.m. — Kiddie parade down Main Street in Joseph

2 p.m. — Rodeo slack for timed events.

7 p.m. — PRCA Rodeo at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena.

9 p.m. — Teen dance at Joseph Community Center with Full Tilt Audio.

Saturday, July 29

Sunrise — Shrine Breakfast at the Rodeo Grounds .

10 a.m. — Grand parade on Main Street in Joseph.

Noon — Friendship Feast at the Encampment Pavilion east of the rodeo grounds.

2:30 p.m. — Rodeo slack for timed events.

3 p.m. — Traditional Indian Dance Contest at the Encampment Pavilion.

7 p.m. — PRCA Rodeo at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena.

9 p.m. — Teen Dance at Joseph Community Center with Full Tilt Audio.

11 p.m. — Cowboy breakfast begins and continues throughout the night.

Sunday, July 30

8 a.m. — Cowboy Breakfast and Church Service at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena.