6/18/2006:
The White Earth Valley Saddle Club, in northwestern North Dakota, celebrates 49 years of rodeo fun today. And just as they did 49 years ago, cowboys and cowgirls come from across the Upper Midwest to compete each Father’s Day weekend.
The Saddle Club has organized and managed the rodeo since it started. A unique rodeo, it is held in a rural, outdoor arena 3 miles from White Earth. Participants come from as far away as Fargo and Lemmon, S. Dak., to experience in this special, old-fashioned NDRA rodeo.
Besides the rodeo competition, one of the main attractions is the great food at the old wooden grandstand concession area. People can start out the day with a big country breakfast and strong Norwegian coffee. The rodeo is topped off with dances on Friday and Saturday nights.
The first meeting of the White Earth Valley Saddle Club was held Sept. 1, 1956, and the decision was made to organize a saddle club and build a rodeo arena. The first president was Lloyd Blowers, and some of today’s members are the second generation in the club.
Initially, land was leased near White Earth, and 57 acres were later purchased from the Bank of North Dakota. In the spring of 1957, the Club purchased lumber and wire to build the arena and chutes, with volunteers doing most of the work for the first rodeo on July 28, 1957.
The events included saddle bronc, bareback, calf roping, barrel racing and team tying, with a total pay out $1,286 and about 3,000 spectators attending.In 1964, a covered grandstand was added and, in 1969, a Roping Club was organized. New chutes were installed in 1975.
A new feature in 2005 was the “Lil Rowdy Rodeo Bulls.” Just because the bulls weigh only 500-900 pounds, that doesn’t mean they are easy to ride.
With such a strong history behind it, competitors and spectators alike can look forward to continued fun at the annual Father’s Day rodeo in the beautiful White Earth Valley.
by Cathy A. Langemo
WritePlus Inc.