War Paint was honored three times as the “Bucking Horse of the Year” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

PENDLETON — The community is invited to celebrate one of the top animals in rodeo — a horse named War Paint.

“War Paint — Horse of the Decades” is presented by the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Museum. A day of celebration with free family activities is planned for Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the museum, 1114 SW Court Ave.

Noted for his incredible bucking style and highly respected by cowboys across the country, War Paint was honored three times as the “Bucking Horse of the Year” by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and has been inducted into multiple Rodeo Hall of Fames.

The celebration continues in the evening with a ticketed gala at the Pendleton Convention Center from 5:30-11 p.m. The evening program will highlight the iconic story of War Paint with early-day photos and film footage. A buffet dinner followed by guest band Sunday Saloon for music and dancing will cap off the day’s events.

Gala tickets are $30. Although the deadline to purchase was Sept. 20, tickets may still be available by emailing warpaintkiosk@gmail.com or calling 541-969-8563.

About the museum

The Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame was founded in 1969. Ten men and five horses were the first honorees. Each year the Hall of Fame board of directors and its members select other men, women and sometimes livestock to honor.

Exhibits in the Hall of Fame cover a wide range of subjects and span more than 100 years of Round-Up history. Displays include saddles, clothing, Indian costumes, photographs, firearms, trophies, wagons and more.

The Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by appointment. Admission is free, although donations are accepted. To learn more, visit www.rounduphalloffame.org.