Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison brings the laughs and the heart to rodeos all over
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon is known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventure, and perhaps most passionately — its rodeo fans. The High Desert Stampede in Redmond has become one of the crown jewels of the region’s rodeo scene, quickly earning a reputation as a must-see event.
Rodeo clown JJ Harrison said, “The great thing about Central Oregon is that it creates some of the greatest rodeo fans, because they have phenomenal rodeos here on the High Desert. Stampede has absolutely jumped right in with both feet and set a mark in Central Oregon that all of the rodeos now know."
At the High Desert Stampede, fans flock to see world-class athletes roping, riding and competing in traditional rodeo events — but there’s another draw that keeps the crowd cheering long after the broncs settle. That star is JJ Harrison, one of the most celebrated rodeo clowns in the country.
JJ Harrison has become synonymous with the kind of energy that defines a great rodeo experience. Known for his wild antics, fast wit, and spontaneous crowd interactions, Harrison prides himself on keeping his act fresh and unpredictable.
“One of the things that I’ve really prided myself on is my consistency at rodeos, and that comes from just being electric and different the whole time," Harrison said, "You can’t rely on one thing that you did. It needs to evolve and change with you. And tonight, we’re going to work. The crowd is going to be fun, but I really don’t know where it’s going to go.”
Though he calls Walla Walla, Washington home, JJ spends most of the year on the road, bringing joy to rodeo crowds across the country. But for him, Central Oregon remains something special.
“Each of our rodeos in Central Oregon is so vastly different, but they all contain one important ingredient, and that is the Central Oregon fans that are here for every show. My job? I play with fans. So for me, this is like coming home," Harrison said.
Part of JJ’s magic lies in his ability to make each performance unique. Whether he’s joking with a local from Crook County or cradling someone’s baby mid-act, it’s his spontaneous, heartfelt humor that wins the crowd over.
“You get a girl from Crook County with a White Claw, and I started talking to her. Somebody handed me a baby. So that’s just the kind of comedy that I love to do. It’s fun! I mean, some of it can be on the edge, but I tell you, people that know me know my heart is as big as my head," Harrison said.
Behind the laughter and antics, JJ’s dedication to the job is real. He’s performed with serious injuries — just to ensure the show goes on for the fans.
“ You don’t show weakness," Harrison said. "I’ve rodeoed with a cracked skull. I’ve rodeoed with separated shoulders. My thing is that I want people to think I’m Superman. Some little kid watching me that loves me — I want him to know I’m good. I’m fine. I can cry later in the trailer.”
Though he hasn’t taken home the official title of “Rodeo Clown of the Year,” JJ isn’t in it for the awards. His reward comes from the fans who return year after year to see him perform.
“The reality is, all of those accolades are great. But what keeps me driven is the fans that come to these rodeos I’ve been at year after year. That’s the real mark of a winner. A real mark of a champion in my job, in my opinion, is that sustainability.”
From flying jokes to fearless stunts, JJ Harrison is a central figure in what makes the High Desert Stampede so unforgettable. As the rodeo continues to grow, so does his legacy — one laugh, one cheer, and one unforgettable night at a time.
