Claremore’s Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo was again named the Small Rodeo of the Year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WRPA) at annual awards banquets held in Las Vegas prior to the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
This marks the sixth time the Will Rogers Stampede has been named PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year and the first time to win WRPA honors. The rodeo, held over Memorial Day weekend, celebrated 75 years in 2021 and is the third-longest running event in Rogers County. Other rodeo city finalists included Coulee City, WA, Aberdeen, SD, Abbyville, KS and Yuma, CO.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized as a top-five rodeo in the nation, and incredible to win Small Rodeo of the Year by both the PRCA and WPRA in the same year,” said David Petty, Rodeo Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Rodeo Arena Cooperative. “Being recognized by both contestants and rodeo peers is a great source of pride for both Claremore and our state. Winning the PRCA award for the sixth time in the last seven years is simply unprecedented for any rodeo.”
Drawing 745 contestants and an estimated 15,000 spectators, the rodeo was held May 27-30, 2021, at Stampede Park at 13601 E 480 Rd. in Claremore, OK. Rodeo celebrations included a charity golf tournament, food truck event, steer roping, mutton bustin’ and live concerts.
“The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is a truly unique experience, complete with a family-friendly culture and a dynamic history that showcases all that Claremore has to offer,” said Tanya Andrews, Director of Visit Claremore. “Claremore is proud to host contestants from all over the U.S., and we are grateful for the community support and dedicated committee and volunteers.”
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.
“Our contestant hospitality and community support is second-to-none and we should all be proud of the improvements taking place at the new Stampede arena,” added Petty.
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.
About Visit Claremore
Claremore, nestled in the heart of northeast Oklahoma and close to Tulsa, is located on historic Route 66 and home to world-class museums, diverse attractions, a thriving historic downtown district and unique local shopping and eateries. Learn more at visitclaremore.org.
(Pictured below are members of the Will Rogers Stampede committee accepting the PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year Award at the PRCA Awards Banquet and National Convention last night.)