Museum After Hours: Happy Canyon — The Century-Old Indian Pageant and Wild West Show

Author Becky Fletcher Waggoner will be presenting a program about the unique 107-year-old history of the Happy Canyon Show, the World’s Oldest Indian Pageant and Wild West Show. The Happy Canyon Show has brought together families, friends and strangers to witness a joyous celebration of local history. Originally staged in 1914, the all-volunteer show presents a live retelling of Pendleton’s founding that honors both the beauty of tribal life and the spirit of the Old West. Today the show is truly a family affair and many performers are descendants of the early actors. Come hear the entertaining stories and amazing background information gleaned from the years of research and oral interviews that went into the writing of this book. Becky will also share stories she was not able to include in the book. Becky, a fourth-generation Happy Canyon participant has acted in the show since the age of three. She wrote Happy Canyon: A History of the World’s Most Unique Indian Pageant and Wild West Show with loving details of the show’s history and a passion to see this important piece of Pendleton history preserved. The book is illustrated with beautiful photography and fascinating archival photos that join the past and the present. Book available for sale in the Museum store, and Becky is available to sign copies.