OSAGE COUNTY, Okla. –
Festivities kick off with the Uncorked Party at the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce, followed by a full weekend of events including WRC steer roping, a ranch rodeo, concerts, a trade show, and a special appearance by Forry Smith from Yellowstone.
Family Legacy of the One-Armed Bandit
A highlight of the weekend will be performances from the One Armed Bandit & Co., a family-run act that blends horsemanship, comedy and heart. John Payne, the original “One Armed Bandit,” began the show in the 1980s after losing his arm in an electrical accident. Though he’ll be performing in Utah this weekend, his daughter Mandy Payne and her children will carry on the act locally.
“My dad took a really crummy situation and turned it into a family business,” Mandy said. “Don’t ever bet my dad, he’s gonna win no matter what.”
The show features trained animals, including Longhorns, Mustangs, zebras, and even buffalo, performing atop moving trailers, a spectacle that takes years of training and deep trust between rider and animal.
Generations Keep the Show Alive
Now in its second generation, the act continues to grow with Mandy’s children joining the lineup.
One Armed Bandit & Co. will perform throughout the weekend during the ranch rodeo and steer roping events starting on Friday, June 13.
For full event details, visit wagonerchamber.org or check out the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
