TOPPENISH, Wash. – The Toppenish Rodeo, a beloved tradition in Central Washington, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this Fourth of July weekend. This long-standing event has become a staple in the community, drawing visitors and participants alike.
Barb Moses, the event’s treasurer, shared the history of the rodeo. “Back in the day, it was huge. We had, 14,000, person stand seating…” she said.
However, in 1957, a fire destroyed the original wooden stands. Despite this setback, the Toppenish community rallied together to save their cherished event.
“That’s when the community came together. They put a campaign together with Save Our Seats and they raised money to build the stands that we have today, which are, you know, our metal aluminum stands now,” Moses explained.
The rodeo has since become a symbol of the community’s resilience and spirit. “We’re still standing strong today. We, have our rodeo and we have the parade in town… It’s a great event. We’re, very proud,” Moses added.
The rodeo is more than just entertainment; it reflects the agricultural roots of Toppenish. “Toppenish a strong ‘ag’ community and rodeo is an agricultural sport… And it’s also just a strong economic impact. Bringing people into the community for that weekend,” Moses said.
The upcoming rodeo promises to be a memorable occasion, with special 90th anniversary belt buckles available for purchase. Those interested in attending can find ticket details on the Toppenish Rodeo Website.
