Rodeos have always been a part of my life, and over the years, I’ve experienced them in different forms and settings. Growing up, my earliest memories of rodeos were from Jackson, Wyoming. If you’ve ever been there, you know that it’s one of those places that leans heavily into its Old West charm, especially during the summer. There were rodeos all season long, and as a kid, I remember attending them with excitement.
Looking back, those rodeos were probably created with the tourist season in mind, giving visitors a chance to experience what life was like in the Old West. For me, though, it wasn’t just about giving the tourists something to do; it was a part of the local culture. The energy, the cowboys, the horses—it all felt like a slice of Jackson’s identity. Whether you were a tourist or a local, the rodeo was a chance to feel connected to the cowboy spirit that defines much of Wyoming.
Years later, I found myself at a much smaller rodeo in McCammon, Idaho. Compared to the grander, more tourist-driven rodeos of my childhood, this one was simple, and I really liked it. It had your typical rodeo events—bull riding, bronc riding, and calf roping—but what made it special to me was how much it felt like a true small-town event. There were no big crowds or flashy shows, just good rodeo action and a relaxed atmosphere. There was something refreshing about being at a rodeo that wasn’t designed to entertain tourists but was simply a part of the town’s culture. It reminded me of what I loved about rodeos in the first place.
Now, fast-forward to my most recent rodeo memories—right here in Hamilton, Montana, at the Ravalli County Fair. This is the biggest event of the year for the Bitterroot Valley, and it’s something that locals and visitors alike look forward to. Every year, the fair hosts four nights of rodeo action, all leading up to Saturday night’s grand finale. What’s great about this rodeo is that it’s included in the price of your fair ticket, which I think encourages a lot more people to attend.
And let me tell you, it’s always a packed house—standing room only, literally. The seats are filled long before the rodeo starts, and by the time the national anthem is played, you’ve got people standing five rows deep, trying to catch the action. Speaking of the national anthem, it’s one of the most patriotic scenes you’ll ever see. A local singer belts out the anthem while a woman on horseback circles the arena, proudly waving an American flag. The crowd goes wild, and it’s hard not to feel a surge of pride as you watch the scene unfold.
Of course, the rodeo clown keeps things light, entertaining the crowd with stunts and jokes—yes, they’re corny, but you can’t help but laugh. Then comes the main action—bull riding, bronc riding, and one of my personal favorites, mutton busting for the kids. There’s something so intense and thrilling about watching a bull rider try to stay on for those eight seconds, knowing how unpredictable and powerful the bull is.
The timing of the Ravalli County Fair in late August makes it perfect for a rodeo. As the sun sets behind the Bitterroot Mountains, the sky turns into a canvas of colors, and the air cools down just enough to be comfortable. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy the rodeo, especially with some nachos or BBQ in hand—or maybe cotton candy if you’re feeling nostalgic.
Rodeos like these not only entertain but bring communities together. They are also a huge draw for tourism. Visitors from all over the region flock to Hamilton for the fair and rodeo, filling up hotels and eating at local restaurants. It’s a win-win for the town: a way to show off its cowboy culture while boosting the local economy. The Ravalli County Fair may be the biggest event of the year in the Bitterroot Valley, but it’s the rodeo that truly steals the show.
That’s the magic of small-town rodeos. Whether they’re designed to entertain tourists like in Jackson or they’re a simpler, more community-focused event like in McCammon, they have a way of connecting people to a place and its culture. From the energy of the crowd to the dust in the air, rodeos capture the spirit of small towns across the West. They’re not just about the sport—they’re about the stories, the people, and the traditions that make these places special.
If you ever find yourself in a small town with a rodeo on the calendar, don’t pass it up. It’s a chance to see something authentic, to feel the heart of a community, and to take part in a tradition that’s been alive for centuries. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
