Rodeo of Ozarks

The Rodeo of the Ozarks began in 1944 by a group of Springdale men and women led by founder, Shorty Parsons. World War II was at its height. People were working hard and around the clock. Entertainment and relief from the unrelenting headlines were much needed. The idea of having a rodeo was born.

Hosting a rodeo was a perfect outlet to get rid of the stresses during hard times. Springdale was always a patriotic town and on the Fourth the city park was always gaily decorated. The town band played, there were old fiddler’s contests, potato races, pie eating contests, and fun was had by all. With the war almost over, there was even more reason to celebrate and a rodeo would be a natural way to share the excitement. Shorty agreed to be the promoter but they needed community sponsors. The Clarence E. Beely Post of the American Legion and the Chamber of Commerce stepped forward and rented the area behind the sale barn for $50.00. We were off! The dates were set: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 1, 3 and 4. Walter Watkins, Kirby Beeler and Luther Johnson took charge of a caravan to travel to eleven towns in the area to promote the rodeo. Shelby Ford and Hays Miller made talks at each stop.