NORTH WASHINGTON RODEO HISTORY
An idea brought to the small town of North Washington, Pennsylvania by Clayton Bell from Birmingham, New York, that the firemen should consider holding a rodeo has been a dream brought to reality. The first rodeo was held in August 1959. The first contract was signed with Foy Reynolds of Bonifay, Florida. A 20 acre piece of ground was rented from Mr. Ed Rasp in order to be able to have ample parking and an arena for the first rodeo. Bleachers were rented plus borrowed from Pullman Park and Slippery Rock University. The first rodeo showed such attendance that the firemen had to use bales of hay on the hillside for seating!
The second year of the now annual rodeo saw new bleachers and the start of permanent fences made from "sucker rods". Many local men spent many hours welding the fence. At this time permanent buildings for eating facilities were also started. The early years saw contestants staying in our Truck House for lack of funds to stay in motels. Many local homes also made rooms available for contestants.
We are now sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and our stock contractor is Rawhide Rodeo Company.
As the years have progressed, the firemen have been able to increase the seating capacity to approximately 7,000 seats. Added buildings, improved lighting, showers and the purchase of 20 acres of land have all been improvements made from revenue brought in from ticket sales to the Rodeo. New fire equipment has been purchased from the proceeds.
Through the hard work of our volunteers and our rodeo committee, we were able to have the best rodeo in over 20 years for the 2015 rodeo. We made major improvements in our website, including online ticket sales, and advertising. Also in 2016 we purchased a brand new arena fence to improve the cowboy's and cowgirl's playing field. 2019's rodeo will be the 60th annual rodeo. We are hoping to make a lot of major improvements and renovations within the next couple of years. Thank you to anyone who has supported our rodeo over the years.
The second year of the now annual rodeo saw new bleachers and the start of permanent fences made from "sucker rods". Many local men spent many hours welding the fence. At this time permanent buildings for eating facilities were also started. The early years saw contestants staying in our Truck House for lack of funds to stay in motels. Many local homes also made rooms available for contestants.
We are now sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and our stock contractor is Rawhide Rodeo Company.
As the years have progressed, the firemen have been able to increase the seating capacity to approximately 7,000 seats. Added buildings, improved lighting, showers and the purchase of 20 acres of land have all been improvements made from revenue brought in from ticket sales to the Rodeo. New fire equipment has been purchased from the proceeds.
Through the hard work of our volunteers and our rodeo committee, we were able to have the best rodeo in over 20 years for the 2015 rodeo. We made major improvements in our website, including online ticket sales, and advertising. Also in 2016 we purchased a brand new arena fence to improve the cowboy's and cowgirl's playing field. 2019's rodeo will be the 60th annual rodeo. We are hoping to make a lot of major improvements and renovations within the next couple of years. Thank you to anyone who has supported our rodeo over the years.