Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo

Throughout the years, our specialty acts, rodeo clowns, and barrelmen have been delighting audiences during rodeo time. From Troy Lerwill to JJ Harrison, from The Kiesner Family to Kevin Higley, and from Kyle Bode to our beloved Haley Proctor -- the fun, sights, and memories NEVER STOP during Rodeo time.

Have you been to the show? Who was your favorite specialty act?

Sharing for those that knew and loved Ron. He was part of the heart and soul that brought the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo to all of our contestants and fans, we'll miss him tremendously.

Have you ever noticed at rodeo that there are A LOT of folks that keep our event running smoothly? The volunteers that work on the bucking chutes ready our animals with their flanks, halters, (sometimes) saddles, and other gear to ensure they're ready for their 8-second close-up.

When finished, and after they've been delivered back to the stripping chutes by our Pickup Men, a different set of volunteers then works to "strip" the animal of their gear, and give them a visual inspection before they get to head off to relax for the evening.

Have you ever worked this job? WOULD YOU work this job? Let us know and show some love for our volunteers!

In honor of our 50th Anniversary this year, we dug through some old vintage photos to share. Can you name any of the folks in these?

+ Did you know that when the rodeo began, you couldn't listen to music on demand? You had to listen to the radio or attend a live event to indulge.
+ We'd been bringing the thunder for nearly sixteen years before y'all had access to the internet as we know it today.

And we know most of y'all know this one-- but we're actually older than our OWN NAME -- we used to be the Cowlitz County Fair + Rodeo until Mt St Helens blew, which prompted committeeman George Moore to suggest we rename ourselves the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo

Wild, right? Y'all are part of a legacy that has literally outlasted the Soviet Union and the cassette tape!