MCDERMITT - Rodeo has been almost endemic to
McDermitt for the last 100 years.
The small border town whose initial economy was based on sheep and cattle ranching always harbored a zest for celebration and a high spirited good time; bronc riding and horse racing along with a few spirits and the Fourth of July provided the meld that brought respite from labors.
The unpaved main street became the arena where the events began. Broncs were brought in from local ranches and snubbed to cars. The cowboy who mounted had no vision of his destination, bringing excitement when his mount ended up amongst the spectators, or in someone's yard.
In 1949, a group of businessmen concurred that an official rodeo was in order. As a result of their concerted efforts official rodeo grounds were erected near the current location of the Diamond A Motel - complete with a grandstand transported from Paradise Valley.
A herd of wild horses was gathered for bucking stock and the games were on. During the ensuing decade a plethora of titillating Wild West episodes created legends for the small town.
In the late 1950s the rodeo grounds was moved across the state line to its present site in Oregon. For many years the event enjoyed a continued interest and attendance, with riding events filled to capacity, and 90 to 100 teams in the team roping. Of course, there was horse racing - always a quarter-mile race and a stick race (baton relay), and often a brush race which originated north of the rodeo grounds in sagebrush country and ended in front of the grandstand.
Street events featuring events for children and adults replaced earlier activities on the then-paved main street. Footraces spanned generations, and the tug of war was a highly contested event. Sack races, egg and balloon tosses, and a myriad of similar events have provided entertainment throughout the years. Street dances have extended well into the early morning, and many a fray has arisen as the celebration wore on.
In 1983 the Western Horseman Magazine characterized the Twin States Stampede as "colorful and authentic."
Authentic it was. Cowboys riding horses into bars, fights reminiscent of western films, but the years brought change. The Fourth of July became the date of many events in the surrounding area. The Twin States Stampede became the McDermitt Ranch Rodeo in 1989.
The Ranch rodeo typically hosts 16-21 teams. Street events continue to entertain young and old following the first performance of the rodeo. Horse racing has been absent for a few years, but is to be reinstated as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the McDermitt Rodeo on July 4, 2013. The legacy lives on.
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