World's Largest Amateur Rodeo: world record in Pawhuska, Oklahoma

October 30, 2023

Pawhuska, Oklahoma, United States-- The annual amateur rodeo in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, United States, first began in 1947, and was created by Alice Adams, a well-known lady bronc rider and arena secretary; the event offers a variety of friendly competition among Oklahoma and out-of-state cowboys who are preparing themselves for the jump to a professional rodeo career and it sets the world record for being the World's Largest Amateur Rodeo,according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Dedicated to perpetuation of the spirit of the old West and preservation of American ideals, the International Roundup Clubs Cavalcade was incorporated to bring together amateur roping and riding clubs from all over the country to compete for trophies and prize money," the official website says.

"Inaugurated in 1947, the Cavalcade was the brainchild of Alice Adams, a well-known lady bronc rider and arena secretary and was co-sponsored by the Pawhuska Roundup Club and a fledgling new magazine, The Roundup. Two years later in February of 1949, the Pawhuska Roundup Club bought the sole rights to the Cavalcade and formed the Cavalcade Committee.

"In March of each year, roundup clubs in Oklahoma and Kansas meet with the Cavalcade Committee to review rules and openly discuss ideas and suggestions for that year’s show. This four-day western sports jamboree is held on the Osage County fairgrounds, three miles south of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. A large pasture is marked off into streets and camp sites as a vast city of RV’s, campers and pickups unfurls to house incoming roundup and riding club members — some who begin arriving as early as the Sunday preceding the big event."

"The world's largest amateur rodeo, this week-long cowboy spectacular keeps the spirit of the Old West alive through activities including traditional rodeo events, camping, and dancing under the stars in the heart of Osage County. Come witness some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the country compete for trophies, prize money, and bragging rights," the Green Country Turism says.

"There will be plenty of rodeo action packed into this seven-day stretch, with contestants competing in a wide array of events. The festivities kick off on the Monday with the Queen's Horsemanship Competition and continue Tuesday with timed events, musical performances, delicious barbecue, and the Cavalcade Street Dance in historic downtown Pawhuska. Events continue throughout the week, so be sure to come back often to take part in all the fun. Catch a spot at the downtown parade on Saturday morning, then enjoy the action as cowboys and cowgirls compete in bareback bronc riding, wild horse racing, bull riding, chuckwagon races, team roping, and much more.

"The Cavalcade will also feature food, drink, and novelty vendors, so make sure to carve out some time to browse all of the booths filled with a variety of items. Visitors can also bring their RVs, campers, and trucks to take advantage of a large pasture area where they can set up camp."

"Roundup clubs from across the region have made the yearly gathering a must-see for rodeo enthusiasts, as the city of Pawhuska’s population nearly doubles each July with fans and participants coming in for the week-long Cavalcade," the Examiner-Enterprise says.

"According to Cavalcade planners, the annual amateur rodeo first began in 1947, and was created by Alice Adams, a well-known lady bronc rider and arena secretary. Cavalcade was first co-sponsored by Pawhuska Roundup Club and a magazine. Two years later, Pawhuska Roundup Club took full control over the event and formed the Cavalcade Committee.

"All rodeo events culminate on Sunday morning, as the rodeo finals takes Ben Johnson Arena by storm at 11 a.m. The top contestants will compete for their share of over $25,000 in cash and prizes."

"Billed as the “World’s Largest Amateur Rodeo,” the event offers a variety of friendly competition among Oklahoma and out-of-state cowboys who are preparing themselves for the jump to a professional rodeo career," the Bartlesville Radio says.

"There is also a “Queen” contest for cowgirls. Other activities include the Shotgun Start Osage Outfitters Stampede, a Tuesday night street dance, and numerous country-western bands on each night. To purchase tickets, go to cavalcaderodeo.com."

"If I was describing Cavalcade to someone who has never been, I would tell them it will be the highlight of their summer. The environment is exhilarating," the Pawhuska Journal Capital says.

"There will be days and days of rodeo performances, delicious food and music concerts to enjoy. They will make lifelong friendships with the people they meet in and outside of their own club. Although it is hot, Cavalcade is worth your while!

"I describe it as the world’s largest amateur rodeo. The experience is definitely one of a kind, when you first pull into the arena your first impression is “Wow, this really is the biggest amateur rodeo.” You are always meeting new people and seeing new things. When I tell people about Cavalcade, I make them watch the wild cow milking."