As near as we can tell from research for our centennial, the rodeo began on the Fourth of July, 1913.
People were not so mobile back then, local ranchers, their families and their hired-help, came to town to celebrate the important holiday with friends they hadn’t seen for a while.
Townspeople and families would look on from a safe distance along the dusty clearing at the west edge of town.
Back then the Cowboys would compete by snubbing ranch horses (some with a little buck, and some that had not been ridden) to cars, posts, anything and climbing aboard.
They often wagered on whether or not they would stay on, and sometimes won money, as did others that bet on them. There were also horse races for those that thought they had the fastest horse in the country.
There was real pride in this area for well-bred, fast horses. That led to lots of betting and a good deal of excitement. Since 1913 the rodeo continues to embrace the way this rodeo started.
The McDermitt Ranch Rodeo continues on because of the locals who still ranch in the area, or have ranched here, that can’t imagine a 4 th of July without a rodeo in McDermitt.
The rodeo evolved from a somewhat impromptu gathering in town to celebrate, catch up with friends, and make a little money, to an actual full-fledged rodeo called the Twin States Stampede, which existed for years.
When it became more expensive and difficult to get all of the required stock, in about 1991, it became the McDermitt Ranch Rodeo
The McDermitt Ranch Rodeo is now a Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) sanctioned event. Contestants chasing the WSRRA points must have their membership card or can sign up at the rodeo, being a member is not required to participate in the fun though.
The contestants now come mainly from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada. Most of the contestants work on ranches in these areas, but some actually are more in it for the roping part.
A ranch bronc rider and a lady steer stopper are required to fill out the team of five (or four, if their woman steer stopper wishes to team rope and brand, and one of the ropers wants to ride a bronc).
The rodeo does not include any events that cowboys and cowgirls don’t actually use in everyday ranch life. Therefore, all of the cowboy/cowgirls talents are showcased by Ranch Bronc Riding (an event that has been made a separate event at many other places), Steer Stopping, Team Roping, Big Loop Cow Roping, Branding and Horse Roping. A real crowd pleaser is the traditional Ranch Horse race that continues on from the past. This horse race is the last event of the 2 day rodeo.
The McDermitt Ranch Rodeo, which in the early years, had a reputation for being pretty wild, has become a wonderful family event. The rodeo now includes three youth events for cowboys/cowgirls ages 11-16.
The Board Members donate the youth’s entry fees back and add $100.00 to the winning team, which is composed of two adults and two youth (only one of which can be 16).
The rodeo boasts of having the Backburner Smoke Haus food truck that everyone can take advantage of, shaded grand stands and some drive up parking is also enjoyed.
There are events on the race track during the first day of the rodeo that include stick horse barrels and dummy roping. After day 1 of the rodeo everyone heads to the street events.
The events vary year to year but always include a competitive foot race so bring your tennis shoes. Street events are for all ages, kids 0+ and adults.
The street events last about 2 hours (7:00 to 9:00pm). A street dance begins at 9:00 pm where families can dance the night away into the early morning hour of 1 a.m.
This year Bravo Silversmith hand engraved silver spurs are awarded to the first place team in all of the rodeo events.
For the high point Team Championships first through fifth (sometimes just to fourth if fewer teams entered), the prize is cash along with items from YETI, BEX Sunglasses and the Colorful Cowgirl mecates. We like to pay as many places as we can, so that the fourth or fifth placing team can cover some expenses and be ready to come back and try again next year. We are able to accomplish this due to our amazing sponsors and supporters. Our entry fees remain at $500 per team, which was what they have been for at least the 9 years prior; we are a non – profit and simply want to keep up with a century-old tradition. We are a small rodeo with a big attitude!
Follow our Facebook page, McDermitt 4th of July Rodeo. For more information regarding the rodeo contact Jake Kershner, Rodeo Board President 775-304-9863. To become an official rodeo sponsor email mcdermittrodeo@gmail.com or contact Amorita Maher (208) 484-0136
Rodeo Starts at Noon on Sunday, July 5th and 10am on Monday, July 4th. Located at the McDermitt Rodeo Grounds just over the Nevada border into Oregon.
Rodeo admission $8 (18 yrs+), $5 (17-13 yrs) Free (12 yrs and under).
Photo Captions:
#1 photo by A
#2 photo by Ashley Williams, The W Heart Photography: Sharon and Father Lloyd Sherburn during the horse roping event.
