When the Pioneer Days Committee announced there would be no rodeo this year, the public cried out, as this long-standing tradition seemed to be fading away. But just one month ago, the Friends of the Fairgrounds, alongside the Lake County Fair Board, announced they would bring a rodeo back.

The tradition was kept alive last weekend, as the Friends of the Fairgrounds and the fair board hosted their first successful rodeo weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds. 

The rodeo events kicked off Friday night with an Iron Cowgirl Challenge featuring breakaway roping, barrel racing and a goat tie. Two open rodeo days followed on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Both open rodeo days featured a full lineup of contestants, and the event drew good attendance and “awesome” performances, according to fair board member Mike Lien.

According to previous Leader reporting, key event organizer Mike Lien called LKC Rodeo Productions, making the rodeo possible again. From there, Friends of the Fairgrounds leaned on the community's support to make it possible. 

LKC Rodeo Productions provided the stock, panels, gates, chutes, and pens while the Pioneer Days Committee provided concessions and a beer garden.

Lien said he received many compliments and that people really enjoyed the rodeo. He added that it wouldn’t have been possible without their sponsors and the support he received from the fair board and committee helpers, along with the outstanding work from his wife, Sheri Lien and his kids. 

He explained that this was his first time helping organize a rodeo and that it was a lot more work than he initially realized.

“But it was worth it. I'm glad I did it,” Lien said. “I knew it'd be some work, but you just don't realize … holy cow, there's a lot of work.”

Lien said their intention is to host a rodeo again next year, and it will “definitely” be discussed at the next fair board meeting. 

According to previous Leader reporting, the Pioneer Days Committee will return to the rodeo business at its new property, Mission Range Event Center, west of Ronan. The committee will be writing grants and fundraising to build its new arena.

Sjaan Vincent, the county fairgrounds manager, stated that this rodeo couldn’t have happened without “the outpouring of community support.” She added that Friends of the Fairgrounds really enjoyed working with the Pioneer Days Committee to keep the rodeo alive.

“The weather was perfect, the food was great and the rodeo stock was awesome,” Vincent stated. 

    Kids hold onto the fence, hoping for the best view of the rodeo as the sun sets over the Lake County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 1. (Emily Messer/Leader)
   JD Edwards holds tightly as a bronc attempts to throw him off. (Emily Messer/Leader)

    Bull riders faced some tough bulls during the Lake County Fair Rodeo last weekend. (Emily Messer/Leader)

    The crowds filled the grandstands during the Lake County Fair Rodeo last weekend. (Emily Messer/Leader)