In the Hall
By: Ruth Nicolaus
St. Paul Rodeo to be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
Sam McKillip, president of the St. Paul Rodeo Association, carries the American flag in the grand entry at the 2021 St. Paul Rodeo. The rodeo will be inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in July. Photo by Kent Soule/Hoot Creek.
St. Paul, Ore. – The St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo is going into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
The storied rodeo, a favorite Independence Day destination for thousands of fans, is a 2023 inductee into the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Hall of Fame.
The honor comes 88 years after the rodeo’s inception, in 1935. It’s grown tremendously over those eight decades, and now brings in 75,000 fans to experience five days of rodeo activities, including not only rodeo but the world-renowned Tack Room Saloon, Independence Day parade, fireworks following each night show, and more.
Kevin Smith, vice-president and historian for the St. Paul Rodeo Association, was shocked when he got the news. “It took my breath away when I got the call from Tom Glause,” CEO of the PRCA, Smith said. “This morning, I am tearing up. It is a very powerful thing for those of us born into the story and those who have joined us along the way.”
The original board consisted of eight men, several of them related. Now the board is made up of eleven, plus a general manager, with 450 association members and, during rodeo week, another 250 volunteers. Many of the directors and volunteers are grandsons and granddaughters, and great-grandsons and granddaughters of the founders.
The rodeo has worked hard to cater to its fans, Smith said. “We have paid special attention to our fans’ needs and desires, the cowboys and cowgirls, our stunning specialty acts, contractors including livestock, and generous sponsors.”
Directors and association members will receive the award on July 15 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Smith said. “We are proud to represent our association, community, and all who have helped us along the way, especially the generations of families who have made the St. Paul Rodeo thrive.
“This award is an important validation of the hard work from all of us over the years.”
Other 2023 inductees include five-time world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho; two-time world champion saddle bronc rider Cody Wright; world champion team roper Doyle Gellerman; pickup man Kenny Clabaugh; rodeo notables Butch Knowles and Tom Feller; standout bareback horse Night Jacket; the Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove, N.J.; world champion barrel racer Sherry (Combs) Johnson, and notable Fay Ann Horton Leach.
The St. Paul Rodeo takes place June 30-July 4, 2023 in St. P Performances start at 7:30 pm each night with fireworks following the show. A July 4 matinee begins at 1:30 pm. Tickets are available online at www.StPaulRodeo.com. They range in price from $20-$60. For more information, visit the website or call 800.237.5920.