I liked this Yakama woman's smile. When she paraded around the dance stage and passed the tom tom players and chanters, she gave the young Yakama boy beating the tom toms a reassuring pat on the shoulder and a smile. I have a feeling she is well liked. The 100th running of the Alder Creek Rodeo in Cleveland, Washington. Friday night (June 11th, 2010) I had visited the rodeo grounds in Cleveland, Washington with my wife. We met two of our long time friends there as well. We took a few free rides on the 1905 (also listed as 1902 or 1907) Herschell-Spillman “wooden horses” carousel. Later we drove north from Cleveland the four miles to Bickleton, where the four of us had a nice and fun dinner at the oldest tavern in Washington state, opened in 1882…the Bluebird. Saturday (June 12th, 2010). I took my camera and ice chest and drove back to Cleveland to spend the day. The day opened with talks by Yakama Indians in native attire. Several of them entertained a large audience telling stories of their dances, traditions, costumes and ties to the area and the Alder Creek Rodeo. I found it fun sitting up at the top of one of the grandstands under the shade of some huge ponderosa pine trees, watching the preparations for the official start of the 100 year anniversary running of the Alder Creek Rodeo. The rodeo itself was full of excitement, fun, humor, skill, and wonderful horsemanship by men, women and kids. My favorite event of the entire rodeo was the women’s barrel racing. A range cow milking event with teams of three men trying to “capture” and get milk from unruly, indignant and strong range cows, provided the most laughs. There were plenty of American flags on display and during the opening ceremonies of this small town, rodeo, there was a touching to the country, the flag, and the men and women in uniform serving our country. It was well done.

Between dance perfomances at the rodeo by members of the Yakama tribe, this young lady went over and checked on the family "fry bread" stand. Notice the many shells that adorn the upper portion of her bright traditional dress. The 100th running of the Alder Creek Rodeo in Cleveland, Washington. Friday night (June 11th, 2010) I had visited the rodeo grounds in Cleveland, Washington with my wife. We met two of our long time friends there as well. We took a few free rides on the 1905 (also listed as 1902 or 1907) Herschell-Spillman “wooden horses” carousel. Later we drove north from Cleveland the four miles to Bickleton, where the four of us had a nice and fun dinner at the oldest tavern in Washington state, opened in 1882…the Bluebird. Saturday (June 12th, 2010). I took my camera and ice chest and drove back to Cleveland to spend the day. The day opened with talks by Yakama Indians in native attire. Several of them entertained a large audience telling stories of their dances, traditions, costumes and ties to the area and the Alder Creek Rodeo. I found it fun sitting up at the top of one of the grandstands under the shade of some huge ponderosa pine trees, watching the preparations for the official start of the 100 year anniversary running of the Alder Creek Rodeo. The rodeo itself was full of excitement, fun, humor, skill, and wonderful horsemanship by men, women and kids. My favorite event of the entire rodeo was the women’s barrel racing. A range cow milking event with teams of three men trying to “capture” and get milk from unruly, indignant and strong range cows, provided the most laughs. There were plenty of American flags on display and during the opening ceremonies of this small town, rodeo, there was a touching to the country, the flag, and the men and women in uniform serving our country. It was well done.