Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 17, 2019)
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 15 tories feature rodeo history Fireside stories By Sue Stafford Correspondent PHOTO PROVIDED The One Arm Bandit will return to Sisters this summer. The One Arm Bandit will return to Sisters Rodeo Get ready to welcome the return of The One Arm Bandit to Sisters Rodeo. The 15-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year, John Payne is coming back to entertain crowds as the most popular rodeo act in the history of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Whip in hand, black cur hounds at his bidding, he9s gone exotic this year, herding a zebra stallion and three paint horses from horse- or mule- back around the arena, then onto the bed of a truck. He and his mount follow, coaxing them all to the roof of a stock trailer for the grand finale. He will also ride in the Sisters Rodeo Parade, some- times mounted on his horse on the roof of a moving stock trailer. The display of horseman- ship and communication is unsurpassed in this act, which has taken Payne and his long- horn steers and buffalo all over the U.S. and Canada. The act has been seen at some of the top horse shows and rodeos in the nation, always stunning an appreciative crowd. A few years ago, he even shipped his animals to Dubai to entertain royalty. Payne was born on an Oklahoma ranch, where he spent his life on a horse with dogs alongside. When hired to herd some intractable bulls, John and his cur dogs earned the respect of a ranch owner as the bulls were penned in short order. The ranch owner shared the story, and the result was the beginning of Payne9s career in the rodeo arena. Many years ago Payne was doing repair on a high- line power pole; believing the power was disconnected, he grabbed a line to stabilize himself. As the voltage burned through his arm and hand, he shortly fell to what seemed sure death. He was revived, took a few months off and went back to ranching, shy one arm and hand. Thus, became <The One Arm Bandit.= Payne is a most compas- sionate cowboy who loves to interact with children, espe- cially those with disabilities, encouraging them with his story. During his last visit to Sisters Payne visited Sisters Elementary School along with the rodeo queen and clown, an annual school assembly tra- dition. The One Arm Bandit rode a mule into the commons to the delight of Sisters stu- dents, teachers, and staff. Sisters Rodeo will begin June 5 with Xtreme Bulls fol- lowed by four rodeo perfor- mances June 7-9. For tickets, call 541-549-0121 or 1-800- 827-7522, or visit the ticket office at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters. For information visit www.sistersrodeo.com. The Song of the Cross GOOD FRIDAY April 19, 6:30 p.m. Everyone Needs Some Hope ters The history of the Sisters ied. Rodeo is long and storied. end Some of the <facts= depend on who you talk to, but one ers thing is certain: The Sisters Rodeo has always been u- an all-volunteer, commu- nity-wide event since its inception. On Tuesday evening, April 23, 7 p.m., at FivePine Conference Center, Three Sisters Historical Society will offer a glimpse into some of the stories surround- ird ing the rodeo at their third Fireside Stories Evening. <Eight Seconds in Sisters: Early History of the Sisters Rodeo= will feature several storytellers with tales of ear- lier days 4 some they expe- rienced themselves and some handed down from bygone days. Because these cowboys have been as hard to herd as cats, who the storytellers will be keeps changing. For sure, Dick Elliott and Mike Oxman are on hand with Floyd Leithauser as the <bar- tender emcee.= posters. Rodeo buckles, old rodeo tack, and other memorabilia will be available for view- ing before and after the presentation. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with displays for viewing, history books available for purchase, and time to swap your own rodeo memories. Admission for TSHS sup- porters is free, $10 for the general public. Memberships may be purchased that eve- ning to support the work of TSHS. Need to take a SISTERS Hare 549-9388 Off? Caribbean Blue Apatite & Diamond 152 E. Main Ave. • 541-549-8771 Jeff • Theresa • Ann • Jamie • Shiela • Terri • Shanntyl Plan Ahead! SPRING IS COMING! Make Your Reservations Soon For... Old-World Smoked Easter Ham Thatchers and Aerators NEED IT, RENT IT! EASTER SUNDAY April 21, 10 a.m. In addition, cowgirl poet A. K. Moss will share some of her original poetry about cowboys, Western life, and rodeos. Longtime rodeo association member Bonnie Malone will read her short history of the rodeo to set the stage for the evening9s stories. The rodeo association will be on hand selling this year9s rodeo poster featuring a bar- rel racer in action. They will also have on display photos of previous rodeo activities and several earlier rodeo 506 N. Pine St. 541-549-9631 SISTERS COMMUNITY CHURCH Sales • Service Rentals • Accessories 1300 W. McKenzie Hwy., Sisters | 541-549-1201 www.sistersrental.com It may be the best Easter ham you’ve ever had! Quantities are limited. Excellent meat case! Beer & wine, too! 541-719-1186 110 S. Spruce St. Open 9 AM -7 PM Every Day MEATS • CHEESES • EATERY • DRINKERY