Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame

09/03/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #5 -- SUSAN OLSEN COREY, Early Years Inductee

𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

For Susan Olsen Corey, the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon aren't simply traditions—they are a part of who she is.

Born in Pendleton and raised on a wheat and cattle ranch near Mission, Susan's connection to the Round-Up began at an early age. Her father, Jack Olsen, and grandfather, E.C. “Eddie” Olsen, both served as Round-Up directors, inspiring a lifelong commitment to the traditions they helped preserve.

At just eight years old, Susan began volunteering at the Round-Up, riding her horse to help move cattle through the arena. By the age of 12, she was performing in Happy Canyon's mounted quadrille.

Her involvement continued to grow. Susan became Pendleton Round-Up Princess in 1966 and Queen in 1967, beginning a lifetime of service that would span nearly seven decades.

Over the years, Susan has served in countless roles—directing the mounted quadrille, assisting with Happy Canyon productions, hosting sponsor events, and mentoring generations of Round-Up royalty.

Around 1985, she began the annual Introduction Breakfast for the Round-Up Queen and Court, a tradition that continues today. As a chaperone and mentor, Susan helped guide young women representing the Round-Up, sharing not only her knowledge but also the values and traditions of the organization.

Under her guidance, the Round-Up Court earned four consecutive first-place awards at the Portland Rose Festival Parade, an accomplishment that speaks to her dedication and leadership.

Susan's service extends far beyond the Round-Up and Happy Canyon. She served as a trustee for Eastern Oregon University and was honored with the Governor's Gold Award for outstanding community service.

Those who know Susan know her for her warmth, hospitality, generosity and tireless willingness to volunteer.

From an eight-year-old girl on horseback to a mentor for generations of Round-Up royalty, Susan Olsen Corey's life has been woven into the fabric of Pendleton's most cherished traditions.

Her legacy isn't simply what she accomplished. It is the traditions she helped carry forward and the generations she inspired along the way.

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐔𝐩 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐞.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

📆September 13, 2026
📍Pendleton Convention Center
🎫$50 per person
📞541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!
**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

With Susan, we conclude our introduction of the five remarkable members of the 2026 Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame Class.

𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬. 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲.

08/29/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #4 -- TOM SOREY, Contestant Inductee

𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚

Some competitors measure success by championships. Others measure it by the years they continue to show up, compete, and give back to the sport they love.

Tom Sorey has done both.

Born into a proud roping and rodeo family, Tom has built a lifetime of achievement, dedication and quiet leadership in the sport of steer roping.

A two-time Pendleton Round-Up Steer Roping Champion, winning in 1996 and 1999, Tom has competed at the Round-Up every year since 1992. Along the way, he has become a 17-time Round-Up placer, earned 10 Northwest Steer Roping Association year-end open championships, five senior titles, and six Columbia River Circuit titles.

His accomplishments also include multiple circuit finals average titles, placing at the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, and qualifying for the 2024 National Legacy Steer Roping Finals in Mulvane, Kansas.

But Tom's legacy isn't measured only by titles and buckles.

Known for his humility, precision and horsemanship, Tom has always been willing to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of ropers. His greatest influence may be seen within his own family.

Tom and his wife, Wendy, raised three children—Pake, Emily and Trent—who have all become accomplished rodeo athletes. Each credits Tom's guidance, knowledge and example as an important part of their own success.

Beyond the arena, Tom continues to work the family wheat farm north of Pendleton and gives his time to the community, including volunteering at the Happy Canyon west gate and the Children's Rodeo.

For Tom, rodeo has never simply been about winning. It has been about family, hard work, horses, competition, tradition and giving back.

From the Round-Up arena to the next generation of ropers, Tom Sorey's legacy is one of excellence, humility and a lifetime devoted to the sport he loves.

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐔𝐩 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐞.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

📆September 13, 2026
📍Pendleton Convention Center
🎫$50 per person
📞541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!

**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2026 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥-𝘜𝘱 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴.

08/23/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #3 -- LARRY BLANC, Honorary Inductee

𝟒𝟑 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐜

Some people experience the Pendleton Round-Up. Others become part of its voice.

For 43 years, Larry Blanc has been one of those voices.

Larry’s life has been deeply intertwined with the spirit and tradition of the Pendleton Round-Up. Raised on a wheat ranch in Touchet, Washington, Larry moved to Pendleton in 1965 and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1972. After earning his degree in Radio Broadcasting from Blue Mountain Community College in 1976, Larry went on to build a career in communications and business that included KUMA Radio, the East Oregonian, Pendleton Grain Growers, Wildhorse Resort Hotel and Casino, and CHI St. Anthony Hospital, where he served as Director of Communications.

But it was his volunteer service to the Pendleton Round-Up that would become one of the most enduring chapters of his life.

Larry began volunteering in 1981, initially operating the Round-Up scoreboard computer. Before long, he became a familiar voice to rodeo fans, serving as slack announcer and assistant rodeo announcer for an incredible 43 years.

Year after year, Larry helped keep the rodeo moving, informed the crowd and added his own voice to the traditions that make the Pendleton Round-Up unlike any other.

His service didn't stop at the Round-Up. Larry also volunteered with Happy Canyon, where he took on the role of blackjack dealer.

After more than four decades of giving his time and talents to the Round-Up, Larry's dedication was recognized in 2024 when he was named Volunteer of the Year.

Larry and his wife, Sally, have built a family and a life deeply connected to the Pendleton community. Their sons, Andrew and Joseph, and their four grandchildren are another part of the legacy Larry and Sally continue to build.

For 43 years, Larry Blanc hasn't simply announced the Pendleton Round-Up—he has helped tell its story.

Today, we are proud to honor his extraordinary commitment, his unmistakable voice and the countless hours he has given to the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon.

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜, 𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝-𝐔𝐩 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐞.

📆September 13, 2026
📍Pendleton Convention Center
🎫$50 per person
📞541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!

**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑵𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2026 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘙𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥-𝘜𝘱 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴.

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Kendra Santos on her presidency of the National Rodeo Hall of Fame Advisory Board! Kendra is the epitome of someone who has dedicated her life and career to the sport of rodeo, and we are excited to see her take on this important role.

We also extend our congratulations to the Pendleton Round-Up on being recognized by the National Rodeo Hall of Fame as one of the inaugural Rodeo Legacy Award recipients. This honor recognizes rodeos for their historical significance, lasting impact on the sport, and commitment to preserving Western heritage.

We are proud to see the Pendleton Round-Up’s legacy recognized on a national stage! 🤠🏆

08/18/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #2 -- KEN LONG, Happy Canyon Volunteer

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 & 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

For more than 25 years, Ken Long helped bring the magic of Happy Canyon to life—not from center stage, but behind the scenes.
Born in Lovelock, Nevada, Ken was a curious child who loved electronics, photography, broadcasting and anything he could take apart and figure out. After losing his father at just 14, Ken learned early the value of hard work and service, helping support his mother and family while continuing to excel in school.

After moving to Pendleton in 1988, Ken quickly became known as the person to call when a problem needed solving. A gifted electrician and teacher, he became the senior electrician at Pendleton Electric and led the electrical apprenticeship program at Blue Mountain Community College for 18 years.

But it was his work with the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon that became such an important part of his legacy.
From 1988 to 2015, Ken served as the on-call electrician for the Round-Up. At Happy Canyon, he found his special niche as the electrical and pyrotechnic point man, helping create the lights, booms and crackles that have become part of the magic of the show.

Ken's expertise helped ensure that the production went on—safely, smoothly and spectacularly. During Round-Up week, he devoted countless hours to the Happy Canyon show, Kick-Off concert and PBR event, often working more than 80 hours behind the scenes. His dedication and expertise earned him the Happy Canyon Appreciation Award in 2006.

But Ken's legacy reaches far beyond wires and pyrotechnics. He was a founding member of the Pendleton Underground Tours, a mentor to young people, a ham radio enthusiast, a friend to those in need, and even a beloved Santa who brought joy to countless families.
Ken Long was the kind of person who didn't need to be in the spotlight to make a difference. He was one of the people who made the spotlight possible.

Today, we are honored to celebrate his years of service, his remarkable talent and the lasting impact he made on Happy Canyon and the Pendleton Round-Up.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬! September 13, 2026
Pendleton Convention Center
$50 per person
541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!

**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 — 𝒏𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

»»ᅳFive remarkable stories. One incredible Hall of Fame class.

Watch for our next inductee!ᅳ►

08/16/2026

A Visit to the Hall of Fame

Former Hall of Fame director Carl Culham recently welcomed members of the Western Canadian Wheelwrights Association to Pendleton, leading them on a tour and sharing stories of our community’s rich western heritage.

The WCWA’s 2026 annual meeting is being held in Pendleton, bringing wheelwrights and enthusiasts from across Canada and beyond together to share their knowledge and passion for the historic craft of wheelwrighting.

We’re always proud to welcome visitors who appreciate the traditions, people and history that make Pendleton so special.

Thank you, Carl, for continuing to share the stories of our community and helping visitors connect with the history preserved at the Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame.

08/15/2026

Remembering a Rodeo Legend 🤠

The Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Hall of Fame inductee Phil Lyne, who passed away yesterday at the age of 79.

A champion in the arena and a respected figure throughout the rodeo world, Phil Lyne left an enduring mark on professional rodeo and on the Western heritage we work so passionately to preserve.

Please take a moment to read Kendra Santo’s in-depth tribute to Phil and remember the remarkable life and legacy of this rodeo legend.

Rest in peace, Phil. Your legacy will ride on. 🤍

08/13/2026

Please follow the Hall of Fame FB page or on Instagram to meet all the Inductees again before the banquet in their honor! Ticket information on post!

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #1 — Wayne Brooks – Contract Personnel

For more than 20 years, Wayne has proudly been the voice of the Pendleton Round-Up, where his enthusiasm and authenticity have become a cherished part of the event’s legacy.

Born in Prescott, Arizona, and raised on the ranch lands of Wyoming and Colorado, Wayne spent over 30 years sharing his authentic Western spirit with rodeo fans across North America. A former rough stock competitor turned announcer, he blends firsthand rodeo experience with a professional broadcasting background to deliver an announcing style that is both engaging and genuine. A PRCA member since 1994, Wayne has been named Announcer of the Year five times and selected as a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo announcer thirteen times. He has also announced the National Circuit Finals Rodeo, served as the voice of the Canadian Finals Rodeo for sixteen years, and announced the Indian National Finals Rodeo five times.

Wayne and his wife, Melanie, make their home in Lampasas, Texas, where they enjoy time with their three children and six grandchildren.

𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒
Definition of “Cowboy”
“The bottom line, or what’s most important, is the mentality of a cowboy. I think it’s a lifestyle, not necessarily what you do for a living or whether you ride horses. It’s a mentality, including a values system where you treat other people as you want to be treated, stand up for what’s right and value other people’s opinions. One of the biggest things witnessed throughout the Western lifestyle is work ethic. Cowboys are good providers, and they’re loyal to their friends, employers and family. I think real cowboys are humble — they back in there, do their job and let their actions do the talking. As a young man, I thought it was about having fun. As I’ve grown older and matured, I now realize it’s about being a stand-up guy, honest and humble.” ~Wayne Brooks

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

📅 September 13, 2026
📍 Pendleton Convention Center
🎟️ $50 per person
📞541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!
**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 — 𝒏𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

»»ᅳFive remarkable stories. One incredible Hall of Fame class.
Watch for our next inductee!ᅳ►

08/13/2026

𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐒
Inductee #1 — Wayne Brooks – Contract Personnel

For more than 20 years, Wayne has proudly been the voice of the Pendleton Round-Up, where his enthusiasm and authenticity have become a cherished part of the event’s legacy.

Born in Prescott, Arizona, and raised on the ranch lands of Wyoming and Colorado, Wayne spent over 30 years sharing his authentic Western spirit with rodeo fans across North America. A former rough stock competitor turned announcer, he blends firsthand rodeo experience with a professional broadcasting background to deliver an announcing style that is both engaging and genuine. A PRCA member since 1994, Wayne has been named Announcer of the Year five times and selected as a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo announcer thirteen times. He has also announced the National Circuit Finals Rodeo, served as the voice of the Canadian Finals Rodeo for sixteen years, and announced the Indian National Finals Rodeo five times.

Wayne and his wife, Melanie, make their home in Lampasas, Texas, where they enjoy time with their three children and six grandchildren.

𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐑 𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒
Definition of “Cowboy”
“The bottom line, or what’s most important, is the mentality of a cowboy. I think it’s a lifestyle, not necessarily what you do for a living or whether you ride horses. It’s a mentality, including a values system where you treat other people as you want to be treated, stand up for what’s right and value other people’s opinions. One of the biggest things witnessed throughout the Western lifestyle is work ethic. Cowboys are good providers, and they’re loyal to their friends, employers and family. I think real cowboys are humble — they back in there, do their job and let their actions do the talking. As a young man, I thought it was about having fun. As I’ve grown older and matured, I now realize it’s about being a stand-up guy, honest and humble.” ~Wayne Brooks

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

📅 September 13, 2026
📍 Pendleton Convention Center
🎟️ $50 per person
📞541-276-2553 – Tickets
Online sales link available in the comments!
**𝑻𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 — 𝒏𝒐 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓.**

»»ᅳFive remarkable stories. One incredible Hall of Fame class.
Watch for our next inductee!ᅳ►

08/12/2026

Fun-Loving Hall of Fame directors volunteered their time to cater to guests at the 2026 Parent's Party, enjoying a fantastic experience while donating all tips to benefit the Hall of Fame.