The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo returns to Claremore over Memorial Day weekend. In celebration of its 75th year, rodeo celebrations begin early with a community golf tournament and food truck event, followed by the premier event, which is also the five-time recipient of the PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the top cowboys and cowgirls in the nation compete,” said Tanya Andrews, director, Visit Claremore.  “In celebration of our 75th anniversary, the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo promises to be bigger and better than ever!”

The inaugural Cowboys 4Kids golf tournament will be held at Heritage Hills Golf Course on Friday, May 21. Benefiting Rogers County Youth Services and the non-profit Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, sponsorships and teams are available by calling (918) 342-5357.

The rodeo week begins on Thursday, May 27 with steer roping and Food Truck Thursday. The Clem McSpadden Tub-Handle Classic Steer Roping competition begins at 6 p.m. at Stampede Park. Named after Claremore’s famous rodeo announcer and steer roper, Clem McSpadden, the night features some the best steer roping in the nation.

Held in historic downtown Claremore from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Food Truck Thursday offer diverse food from wings and burgers, to pineapple whip and barbecue. Complete with live music, a kids zone and a mechanical bull, downtown shops will also be open late. Rodeo tickets will be available for purchase, along with t-shirts and a commemorative poster.

The five-time PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year officially begins on Friday, May 28 and culminates Sunday, May 30.  Gates open nightly at 6 p.m., pre-rodeo entertainment and mutton bustin’ begins at 7 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. Live music will follow performances on Friday (Pumpkin Hollow Band) and Saturday (Wyatt Baker Band and JR Carroll). Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Featured acts include rodeo clown and barrelman, John Harrison, parachuter “Bull Jump Bob” Bobby Reid, and the “Mustang Millionaire” Bobby Kerr, two-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year.  Athletes will compete in Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Roping, Tie-down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing. Events will be held at Stampede Park at 13601 E 480 Rd. in Claremore.

While the rodeo was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Claremore, Board of County Commissioners for Rogers County and the Will Rogers Round Up Club, with the support of local donors, made significant infrastructure improvements including investments in new lighting, seating, parking, roads and rodeo structures.

About the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo

Started in 1946, the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo joined the PRCA in 1947.  The rodeo is a partnership of the City of Claremore, the Board of County Commissioners for Rogers County and the Will Rogers Round Up Club.  More information is available at willrogersstampede.com.