welcome the will rogers memorial rodeo!
One of the premier rodeo events held in the Southwest! This is a week long event that is kicked off by the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade held every year in downtown Vinita. Every evening is filled with action packed events such as Girl's Barrel Racing, Bare Back Bronc Riding, Steer Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Bull Riding & Team Roping. This is a fun event for the whole family
Announcing our Feature Act for 2017!
Amanda Payne, the One Armed Bandit
12 Time Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) “Specialty Act of the Year”
More information about our specialty act.
Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo is the home of Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Calli Newman and Miss Rodeo Princess Oklahoma, Shyanne Marcotte.
These talented young ladies will be participating at this year's rodeo.
Calli Newman, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma
Shyanne Marcotte, Miss Rodeo Princess Oklahoma
About the Rodeo
It was in 1934 that Will Rogers suggested to his many Vinita friends and Willie Halsell college classmates, "Have a rodeo next year and I'll be back." He had returned to Vinita in the fall of that year for the homecoming parade.
The world famous cowboy humorist and philosopher, once a Vinita cowboy, rode along in the parade twirling a lariat and speaking to his friends among the spectators.
Will Rogers couldn't keep that appointment because he was killed the next summer in a plane crash but the Dale Peace Post of the American Legion kept the rodeo suggestion alive for 80 years. The first show was held in 1935. Two events have been missed because of the war and anthrax quarantine in northeastern Oklahoma.
We welcome you to this PRCA approved event and encourage you to come every night. Bring your whole family and enjoy this piece of Americana. You will make memories that will last a lifetime.
WANT TO BE A VENDOR DURING THE RODEO?
Interested in having a booth during the rodeo please contact Christy Kenworthy for more information. 918-694-6127
American Legion
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