Chief Joseph Days under way

POWER TO THE PEEBLES: Steven Peebles of Redmond holds on during his bareback riding second place finish first round score of 79. After the first go-round Shannon Miller of LaLuz, N.M., leads with an 82. - Observer photos/BARRETT HENDERSON

And Tallman was right. Wednesday night’s large crowd was treated to an excellent start to the Chief Joseph Days.

The main grandstands were full along with most of the far side bleachers at Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. The atmosphere was one-of-a-kind. The aroma of the burgers supporting the Joseph education system just blocked out the animals enough.

Tallman’s rodeo-perfect voice echoed through the air as he and rodeo clown, T.C. Evans, went back-and-forth on everything from President Obama to Michael Jackson.

Family Night began with bareback riding and Shannon Miller of LaLuz, N.M., edged out the rest of the first round competition with a score of 82.

Team roping duo Bobby Davis and Katlen Schimmelpfenning led after day one with a time of 6.6 seconds. But Matt Funk and Paul Eaves are right behind after a solid ride and time of 7.1

seconds.

Battle Mountain, Nev.’s, Brad Rudolf just beat out a talented saddle bronc field with a score of 79.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Tavis Stockdale of Portland and Jarred Thomas of Ellensburg, Wash., get a no-score in team roping.

La Grande’s John Green and Chase Williamson of Elgin sit in fourth and fifth place behind Brandon Christensen in first place in steer wrestling.

Jackie Rhoden leads the barrel racing field and Colin McTaggart was the only bull rider to receive a score after the first go round.

Tonight’s PRCA rodeo begins at 7 p.m. and it is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night to honor breast cancer awareness.

Top scores after Go Round 1

Bareback riding

1. Shannon Miller    82

2. Steven Peebles    79

3. Will Lowe    77

4. Wes Stevenson    74

5. Jared Smith    73

Team Roping

1. Bobby Davis/ Katlen S.    6.6

2. Matt Funk/ Paul Eaves    7.1

3. Jason Minor/ Taylor White    11.5

4. JIm Lawrence/ Michael Huges    14.0

Saddle Bronc Riding

1. Brad Rudolf    79

2. Wade Sundell    77

3. Jesse Wright    76

4. Cody Wright    71

5. Bradee Hughes    70

Tie Down Roping

1. Cody Every    12.2

2. Dustin Specht    14.6

3. J. Cody Jones    17.9

4. B.J. Taruscio    18.1

5. Nathan Steinberg    19.5

Steer Wrestling

1. Brandon Christensen    4.6

2. Sam Mackenzie    5.3

3. Jake Rowen    7.4

4. John Green    8.1

5. Chase Williamson    9.5

Barrel Racing

1. Jackie Rhoden    17.87

2. Jana Isaac    18.12

3. Kelli Currin    18.24

4. Eileen Plunkett    23.49

5. Torrie Griggs    24.66

Bull riding

1. Colin McTaggart    77