Livermore Rodeo

The Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo started to raise the $1,200 state assessment to aid in the efforts to fight World War I. President of the Livermore Stockmen’s Protective Association, John McGlilnchey, appointed a local committee to find a location for the event. A portion of the James Anderson ranch was the logical choice for the location of the rodeo. The area was a natural basin for holding stock and had a rim that served as elevated seating for spectators. A fence was constructed around the basin to form the arena. Circus seats were leased for the audience and cars were allowed to park behind these seats to provide even more seating. From eyewitness accounts, the Grand Entry was a most thrilling event. Two horses posed at the top of the hill east of the arena. Christine Thiel was on a white horse and carrying the American flag. James McGlinchey, on a bay horse was carrying another flag. At a given signal, the horses raced down the hill - the white horse in the lead. At the foot of the hill, many other horses followed the first two into the arena forming a colorful grand entry. G. F. Madsen, proprietor of the Bell Theater, convinced Universal Studios to film the event. The newsreel was shown throughout the country. The success of the first rodeo led to the formation of the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association in April 1919. The second rodeo was held on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, 1919, in the newly constructed 2,400 seat arena. For the first few years, there was no Public Address System, so the announcing was done on horseback with a megaphone. Professional rodeo riders were attracted to the event from the beginning and continued to grow the rodeo. As the Rodeo proved to be a financial success, land acquisitions and improvements continued. More seating was added, and the grandstands were covered. More chutes and holding pens were built. In 1948, the Association's holdings had grown to 40.5 acres. The slogan "World's Fastest Rodeo" was first used in 1935. Speed had always been an important factor. There was a track around the arena where many events were held. This included cowboy and cowgirl races, relay races, Roman races, and Pony Express races. In addition to the races, there was trick riding, trick and fancy roping, steer decorating, stockhorse contests, hackamore class, silver mounted competition, competition for best horse and working outfit. Simultaneously, inside the arena there was saddle bronc riding, bull riding, "double roping," "single roping," steer wrestling, amateur team roping, steer decorating, and wild cow milking. The Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo continues to give back to military causes as a nod to its beginnings.