Cowboys and cowgirls throughout Eastern Oregon will once again come together for the annual Haines Stampede Rodeo over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The events begin early July 4 with the Grange Cowboy Breakfast from 6-10 a.m. in the Haines City Park.

The parade through downtown Haines begins with entry judging at 9 a.m., and the parade follows at 10 a.m.

This year’s theme is andquot;Folk Tales and Flags.andquot; Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the booth on the corner of Third and School streets across from the Eastern Oregon Museum. Prizes will be awarded in each of the 17 categories. The parade committee welcomes all entries right up to the time the parade begins to move, but only entries registered and in line by 9 a.m. will be eligible for judging.

For more information or an application to enter the parade, call Barbara Wendt at 541-856-3571. Pre-event entries are due by June 30.

The Stampede Rodeo begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday with a grand entry featuring the association’s annual salute to veterans and active duty military personnel. Uniformed riders will represent the different branches of service.

The rodeo queen is Michele Yergen of Summerville and princesses are Ashlyn Gazley and Lillian Wood of Baker City.

Admission at the gate is $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children age 5 and younger.

The day will include all regular rodeo events plus stock saddle-bronc riding, breakaway roping, cowhide race, junior steer riding, wild-cow race, mutton busting for the little cowboys and cowgirls under 60 pounds, and more.

In addition to buckles sponsored by area residents and merchants, there will be added money in the bareback, saddle- bronc and bull-riding events. A big loop roping will feature the best ropers in the area.

The Stampede book is open for entries and will also close June 30. For entry information call 541-786-3626. Contestants are advised to enter as early as possible.

After rodeo events Friday, entertainment continues with the Cowboy Music Showdown featuring cash prizes and live music. Entry in the showdown is free, but entertainers must be entered to complete. Call 541-786-3626 for information.

After dark the night sky over Haines will light up with the annual fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m.

The rodeo’s slack events continue Saturday morning, followed by rodeo action at 5 p.m.

Admission prices are the same.