PENDLETON -- Avery Quaempts, 17, and Korie Spencer, 23, will serve as princesses for the 2025 Happy Canyon Night Show.
The two young women will be officially introduced Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate, during the annual Princess Brunch. The Happy Canyon Board of Directors invites everyone to attend and celebrate their appointments.
"We're excited to welcome Avery and Korie as the 2025 Happy Canyon princesses," Happy Canyon President Kipp Curtis said. "They both have strong ties to Happy Canyon, and we are proud to have them as our representatives for this historic tradition."
Avery Quaempts
Quaempts, whose Indian name is Hánnit wa tumult (Cayuse, meaning "Generous Heart"), is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She is the daughter of Justin Quaempts and Carrie Sampson.
Her family history includes many relatives who have served as Happy Canyon royalty. Also, she won the Junior American Indian Beauty Pageant in 2021.
A junior at Pendleton High School, Quaempts plays softball -- competing with the Buckaroos and the Northwest Bullets, a nationally recognized travel team. In addition, she is passionate about outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing, hunting and boating, as well as spending time with her family at their property in Joseph.
Quaempts also looks forward to continuing her education and playing softball at the collegiate level. She plans to pursue a career in nursing with a focus on pediatric care.
"My roots are here in the Umatilla Reservation," Princess Avery said. "I plan to return home after finishing my education to give back to my community."
Korie Spencer
Spencer also is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She is the daughter of Atwaí (the late) Brandon Spencer and Rochelle and Trevor Helfrecht.
She graduated from Pendleton High School and Treasure Valley Community College. Spencer plays recreational softball and even tried out rugby while in high school.
Her family has deep ties with Happy Canyon, including several relatives who served as princesses. Spencer has participated in the night show, riding in the traveling and mourning scenes, and carrying a travois.
A passionate advocate for the outdoors, Spencer enjoys horseback riding, hunting and berry picking. She works at Lil Turtle Retreat Daycare and plans to attend Oregon State University to study early childhood education. After completing her education, Spencer wants to return to Eastern Oregon.
"I'm excited about setting both simple and ambitious goals for myself in the coming years," she said. "I'm passionate about helping children and am excited to continue working towards a future where I can make a positive impact on my community."
Quaempts and Spencer look forward to representing the traditions and history of Happy Canyon with pride. The 2025 Happy Canyon Night Show is Sept. 10-13. Tickets go on sale Jan. 9 via www.pendletonroundup.com.