Oregon Community Keeps Cowboy Spirit Alive

In Lakeview, Oregon, the sight of spurs and cowboy boots isn’t unusual. The small community near the state line of California and Oregon is one of the last vestiges of isolated America, and with so many working ranches in the area, the town is proud of its character.

A committee formed by Oregon tourism association Travel Oregon^™ began looking to help Lakeview brand itself for tourists. Given its attachment to the ways of the old west, Lakeview began using a new slogan: “Kick Your Boots Off and Stay Awhile.” Banners were posted around the community and at the chamber of commerce each summer, but Lakeview Ace Hardware owner Dan Henderson had bigger plans.

Since Lakeview Ace is located on one of the roads leading into the town, he thought his store was a prime spot to get the word out about Lakeview honoring its western heritage.

The area’s western legacy lives on in the Lake County Roundup, a rodeo entering its 100th year of operation.

“It’s the second-longest running rodeo in Oregon, and it’s the signature event of Lake County and our area,” Henderson says. “It really shows how the slogan fits our area, and we’re excited to play a larger part in promoting Lakeview.”