Hells Canyon Days, Annual Success
Hells Canyon Days in Cambridge has been a small town tradition for over 30 years. In 2018, the Cambridge Commercial Club added to the festivities by starting the Hells Canyon Jam. The Commercial Club is responsible for the Jam and the truck and car show, and the Cambridge Rodeo Association does the Bulls and Broncs event and a BBQ fundraiser. “This year I feel like we brought more people to town than I’ve ever seen,” said Brandie Lincoln who organizes the event with the Cambridge Commercial Club.
Every year the goal is to have the event paid for by sponsors, so that all the proceeds can go back into the community. “We did very well this year,” said Lincoln, “I think it will be comparable to last year.” Last year, the Commercial Club was able to put about $30,000 back into the community, including $10,000 in scholarships, money for the community grant fund, a new internet and phone line for the museum, security cameras at the school district, a sprinkler system at the fairgrounds, and paying for the 4th of July fireworks, among other things. “The cool thing about these projects is they don’t just reach Cambridge,” said Lincoln, “surrounding communities benefit as well.”
This year, the square dancers came back to Hells Canyon Days at the elementary school, and the quilt show was at the high school. This year, they also had a bigger headliner than usual at the Hells Canyon Jam, with country singer Easton Corbin, drawing in people from as far away as Utah and the Portland area. “They were great to work with,” said Lincoln,” all the bands were.”
Bulls and Broncs had a great turnout as well and was pretty close to sold out. There were 34 contestants this year and they gave out $9400 in prize money. And, at the BBQ pit roast on Saturday, they served 650 meals. The Treasure Valley Leather Slappers did the flag carrying and drill team presentation and national anthem for Bulls and Broncs. “We love working with them!” said Kim Royer, who helps organize the event with the Cambridge Rodeo Association. The first cowboy out had a rough run and the animal had to be removed, but the cowboy was thankfully okay. Damon Shaw was the winning Bull Rider, sponsored by Weiser Memorial Hospital. Winning Bareback was Cole Allen, sponsored by Commercial Tire. Colby Bowls was Ranch Bronc winner, sponsored by Farmer Supply Co-op and the Saddle Bronc winner was Russell Kay, sponsored by Renee Baker of Fay Ranches. Chelsea Rae Photography in Council did the photography this year, and did a great job!
The Cambridge Commercial Club starts planning the next year’s Hells Canyon Days starting in September. It is a huge event which takes many volunteers to put on. They have around 20-25 very active volunteers and the Cambridge Rodeo Association has around 30 solid members. “We just have a lot of people that step in,” said Kim Royer. The Rodeo this year will be August 2nd and 3rd, so don’t forget to mark your calendars! Hells Canyon Days and the Hells Canyon Jam is the main fundraiser of the year for the Cambridge Commercial Club. “I’m just super thankful for everyone in the community that volunteered and that it is super supported by the community, “ said Brandie Lincoln.
