Fairly Traditional: The Rodeo at the Fair

A spot check of fair line-ups around the Keystone State reveals a common scheduled event: rodeo.  Why does a rodeo compliment the schedule of a county fair so nicely?

Rodeo as it’s known today was born out of the agriculture and ranching history of Western America (tshaonline.org).  Early Spanish settlers rounded up wild cattle in the West and Southwest for sale in the Eastern markets.  As Texas was settled by a blend of Mexican and English settlers, ranches were founded on large swaths of land.  The need for cowboys on horseback rose as ranching became a viable business venture.  In geographic locations with high concentrations of ranches, cowboys would compete against each other and rival ranches in tests of skill.  These exhibitions continued to grow and evolve into what is considered modern rodeo.

The tie between the rodeo and a county fair is the livestock.  FFA and 4H members exhibit the livestock they have worked hard to own and raise at county fairs all over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (and across the country).  Raising livestock helps nurture the skills needed to succeed in the agricultural industry.  Caring for and exhibiting animals cements a foundation of responsibility, health, and pride as well as a greater understanding of how sustainable farming contributes to the food supply. 

While the roots of 4H are planted in farming, rodeo is more closely tied to the skills needed in the ranching industry.  Both, however, share the highlight of being an available avenue for both males and females.  While the history of rodeo began with men, women in rodeo became popular in the early 1900's and the popularity continues to this day for female barrel racers especially.  Fairgrounds are a natural choice of venue for rodeo events due to the availability of large arenas, show pens, and livestock stalls.  Grandstand rodeo events at county fairs and fairgrounds have proven to be typically well-attended.

Fairs will likely continue to book rodeo exhibitions for the foreseeable future.  This tradition will continue to fuel agritourism in Pennsylvania which benefits everyone from farm to table!  Rawhide Rodeo Company will be hosting the Rawhide Professional Rodeo on Friday, July 19 2019 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.