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In 1980 the Medicine Lodge Rodeo was started by Alma Anderson, our mother, who believed that being a cowboy was something of which to be proud. We are proud to carry on this belief and continue to strive to bring a truly western weekend to all contestants and spectators alike. Today the Medicine Lodge Rodeo is one of the best semi-professional rodeos you'll ever want to see. Join us each year to see man and animal compete in battle, where both come out the winner.
The typical rodeo events include saddle bronc, bareback, novice horse riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, Jr. and Sr. barrel racing, junior steer riding, tie-down roping, cowgirl cow riding, miniature horse racing (12 and under) and the stick horse race for those little cowpokes six and under.
Featured events include an all Girls Rodeo (CGRA) held on Friday night, musical rides done by the Chinook Riders and each year our own special clown Squirrelly Early Anderson keeps the crowd entertained. There is free overnight camping for those with rodeo admission for the entire weekend.
On Saturday night there is a bonfire dance with live music for all those dancing cowgirls and cowboys.
There is a Saturday and Sunday morning pancake breakfast with by a Cowboy Church service on Sunday. All during the rodeo program on Sunday (Mothers Day) there are gifts given out to mother's and grandmothers in attendance by Squirrelly Early Anderson.
Tourism is becoming an important entity in the Economic Development structure of our surrounding area today. The Medicine Lodge Rodeo Committee understands the importance of tourism and has been working with this idea in mind for several years. Besides holding our annual rodeo in May, the Medicine Lodge Rodeo has been recognized through the International Tourism Market and asked by various organizations and our local municipalities to host rodeo demonstrations for such groups as the Scouts Jamboree, British Air Force Cadets, Japanese student tour, Royal British Legion from Cheshire County and the Cheshire Constabulary, and tour groups from Germany. With such rodeos being done in 2006 for 100 Iceland tourists and in 2007 for 500 German tourists. In 2005 /06/07 we were recognized as helping a local boy, Braden Mole, raise funds during our rodeo event for the Edmonton Stollery Children's Hospital.
(Photo's by Bob McGouey-Gateway Photo)
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