The Arkansas Valley Fair Rodeo Made History
Description: Bucking Bronco at a Rodeo, August 8, 1968 [Courtesy Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-1473]
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The Arkansas Valley Fair: Rodeo History
There is great debate as to exactly where the rodeo first began in this country. Several towns and cities make the claim of putting on the first official rodeo. The most prominent of these are: Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1847, Deer Trail, Colorado in 1869, and Pecos, Texas in 1883.
The term “rodeo” is Spanish in origin and means roundup. The rodeo certainly does have Spanish roots. While working on numerous cattle ranches in the West, Spanish vaqueros displayed their horse riding and cattle roping skills. These exhibitions of masterful horsemanship were eventually incorporated into what became the rodeo competition.
Another influence on the rodeo, were the numerous Wild West shows that populated the entertainment landscape in the late nineteenth century. The most influential of these enterprises was Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, originator of the Wild West show, had a segment referred to as “Cowboy Fun.” This section of the show displayed cowboy’s busting bucking broncos, trick roping, and racing horses.
Melon Day in Rocky Ford, September 7, 1900. [History Colorado Special Collections, CHS.X4956]
Now, when it comes to the Arkansas Valley Fair, most know the first Watermelon Day was held in 1878. It took place when state Senator George W. Swink distributed watermelon slices from the grain door of a train boxcar, sharing his plentiful melon crop with the population of Rocky Ford and the neighboring towns.
“80 Pound Watermelons” Rocky Ford, 1910 [Courtesy Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-13202]
However, few are aware that in 1900 Bill Pickett, African American rodeo pioneer and pro-rodeo hall of famer, appeared with his brothers at the Arkansas Valley Fair. There he gave the first exhibition of bulldogging. “Bulldogging,” also known as steer wrestling, was invented by Pickett and is the skill of grabbing cattle by the horns and wrestling them to the ground. Today, steer wrestling takes place at nearly every rodeo in the country.
Bill Pickett, creator of “Bulldogging” and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer [Courtesy Denver Public Library, X-22141]
Following that exhibition by Pickett, the fair went through a period of on-and-off years where no rodeo was held. But, since 2007, the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association (CPRA) has put on events at the Arkansas Valley Fair Grounds to everyone’s enjoyment.
Bucking Bronco at a Rodeo, August 8, 1968 [Courtesy Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-1473]
The rodeo at the Arkansas Valley Fair over the years, has become every bit a staple of the event as Melon Day is. So, when you head out to celebrate the 145th edition of the Arkansas Valley Fair this weekend, know that it is steeped in a rich and wonderful history of firsts.
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Melon Day in Rocky Ford, September 7, 1900. [History Colorado Special Collections, CHS.X4956]
Melon Day in Rocky Ford, September 7, 1900. [History Colorado Special Collections, CHS.X4956]
Bucking Bronco at a Rodeo, August 8, 1968 [Courtesy Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-1473]
Bill Pickett, creator of “Bulldogging” and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer [Courtesy Denver Public Library, X-22141]
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