Claremore’s Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo celebrated 69 years in 2015; Claremore’s 3rd longest running event, only behind Will Rogers Days and the Rogers County Fair.
The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo received National Recognition being named the Professional Cowboys Association Rodeo of the Year, for the second year in 2015 (winning also in 2014).
This award elevates the Claremore Rodeo to a national status of recognition. Rodeos are classified in 4 categories: small, medium, large and large indoor. The small rodeo encompasses more than 400 PRCA rodeos nationwide, including Claremore’s Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo.
Nominations are conducted by contestants as a reflection of their appreciation for the quality of the event and the hospitality demonstrated at the venue and the in the town or city where the rodeo is located.
On average, more than 550 contestants make the journey to compete in OUR rodeo, and brings thousands of spectators with them.
When receiving in the award, Rodeo Chairman David Petty included in his acceptance speech, the following statement to a national audience:
“In 2015 the event faced many challenges; the biggest was the unprecedented “May” rains, especially Memorial weekend in which the event is held annually. This was a tragic weekend in Claremore. We lost one of our own, Captain Jason Farley of the Claremore Fire Department. The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo Committee and Volunteers dedicate this award to Captain Farley, who gave his life trying to protect our community.”
Recently Claremore’s rodeo received another award. The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo was named the 2015 Medium Size Rodeo of the Year, in the Prairie Circuit. (The Prairie Circuit includes Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska). There is a total of 13 circuits.