Ellensburg Rodeo

This guide cites resources that explore the history of the annual rodeo in Ellensburg, Washington. The Ellensburg Rodeo first took place in 1923. Locals competed in 18 events with winners earning $900 in prizes. Since then, the rodeo has grown to be one of the top professional rodeos in North America, hosting 600 contestants and offering $400,000 in prize money. The rodeo takes place every year in September. Rodeo events include bare-back riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and steer wrestling.

This video shows footage from the first Ellensburg Fair and Rodeo in 1923.