Two decades back, it started with a dream.
Now celebrating 20 years as of this Father’s Day Weekend, the Stanley Rodeo is a dream no more.
Starting Thursday June 13 at the Stanley Theater with a plaque presentation to parade grand marshal Ron Haas followed by the Queen Contest, the 2024 PRCA Rodeo saw record attendance, drawing 5,500 over two days, rodeo goers shrugging off rain Saturday night to attend.
Very well,” Rodeo Committee spokesman Kevin Hendrickson said of how things went this past weekend. “We had roughly 5,500.”
Of this number, 3,000 showed up on Friday, while another 2,500 to 2,600 showed up Saturday.
Opening the spectator gates Friday June 14 at 6:00 p.m. Friday, the 20th annual PRCA Stanley Rodeo started with a the national anthem sung by members of the Brady Luke band, preceded by the unfurling of a giant flag by the Stanley-Boyd FFA and followed with a tribute to past Rodeo organization president Dave Endru, who passed away earlier this year. With an empty horse with hat on saddle led around the rodeo grounds, Endru was remembered as devoted to two principal things: the American Legion and the Stanley Rodeo.
Then moving to introduction of the Miss Stanley 2024 winner and court as they were driven around the arena by Morrie’s, Caroline Johnson will represent the area as Miss Stanley for the coming year, assisted by six others.
With the court introduced, the Rodeo kicked off in earnest, fans being treated to cattle roping, bareback horse riding, bull riding, barrel racing and more--including the clown riding two horses around the ring while standing up.
Come Saturday morning a Rodeo breakfast was held, with afternoon meaning parade time.
Unannounced and just before the start of the parade, Alabama native and Dr. Pepper fan Forrest Gump—now claiming Wisconsin residency—made his seventh parade appearance of the year, running up the center line in short sleeve button down shirt and baseball hat before the official start of festivities.
Caught up with later, Gump—he insisted that was his name—said it was the 30th anniversary of the release of his movie and said he had run previously at Fox Lake, Delevan, West Salem, Sister Bay, Markasen, and Clayton, with more stops planned.
“Not sure where,” he said.
Come Saturday night it was time for another Rodeo performance, which saw fans hold out in spite of the rain. Following the Rodeo, the band Still Reckless entertained event goers.
Early Sunday morning, it was time for Rodeo church, followed by the Stanley Rod and Gun Club Charcoal Chicken Dinner and a Horse Pull across from Chapman Park in the disc golf area.
The Rodeo now over, an Independence Day Celebration will be coming to Chapman Park soon--stay tuned.