Great rodeo action in Joseph

Long before Joseph was known as Oregon’s bronze capital and that beautiful little arts community at the foot of Wallowa Lake and the Wallowas, Joseph was best known for its rodeo and its sign telling people not to “drive like hell’’ through town.

For 64 years now, Joseph has been known for Chief Joseph Days, one of the best small-town rodeos in the country. The tradition continues this week, and like the town, it just keeps getting better. And that’s saying a lot, because Chief Joseph Days has had a reputation as a great rodeo for most of its 64 years.

The Kids Night rodeo kicked things off Wednesday night at Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. Professional rodeo gets under way tonight with the cowboys and cowgirls — and hopefully spectators — being “Tough Enough to Wear Pink’’ in honor of breast cancer awareness. Performances that will include some of the nation’s top-ranked contestants, continue Friday and Saturday nights.

A variety of events, breakfasts, dances and parades are held in conjunction with Chief Joseph Days. No doubt that for this weekend, Joseph is the place to be in Northeast Oregon.

So if you’re wondering what to do this weekend, or if you’ve never been to Chief Joseph Days or haven’t for a while, head out to Joseph for a great time and some great rodeo.