North Washington Rodeo heats up waning summer days

August 13, 2024 Last Updated: August 14, 2024 04:40 PM Local News

Cowboys wait to compete in bareback riding during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Trick rider Lexee Jo Barvian puts on a show during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

WASHINGTON TWP — The blazing sun was shining down Tuesday, Aug. 13, on the first day of the 64th annual North Washington Rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls young and old from states including Maryland, Virginia, and New York converged in Washington Township to participate in events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, cattle roping and trick riding.

But as the sun went down, the entertainment heated up.

Among the evening entertainment was Lexee Jo Barvian, of Attica, N.Y., who was in town for the event, performing stunts on horseback.

“I’ve been coming here for a long time. Trick riding wise, about 4, 5 years,” Barvian said. “I love entertaining people and seeing the crowd enjoying it, and I love going fast and hanging upside down.”

The North Washington Rodeo has been a Butler County tradition since 1959, which started after the idea of hosting a rodeo was proposed to the local firefighters. The first rodeo took place in August 1959 on 20 acres of rented land, and spectators sat on benches rented and borrowed from Slippery Rock University and Pullman Park. The rodeo’s second year sported new bleachers and the start of permanent fences made from “sucker rods,” according to the rodeo website’s history page. A “sucker rod” is defined as a long, slender, metal pole.

The event serves as the North Washington Volunteer Fire Department’s largest fundraising event.

“We decided to take a chance on it, and I could say it’s been history from there but it’s been an interesting history,” said Reid Campbell, chief of West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department. “We took a chance on it ... the results were so good we had to bring bales of hay and put them on the hill for people to sit on ... and the contestants at that time were people who followed the rodeo, unlike today.”

Before Tuesday’s event started, vendors offered hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy and other treats from the concession stands before packing the 7,000-seat stadium to watch the event. As early as 6 p.m., the parking lots began to fill up as cars pulled in for the 8 p.m. rodeo.

“(I’ve never) been to one, so I don’t know what to expect,” said Parker resident Eric Beck.

“It’s nice; I like it,” said Brian Fung, of Gibsonia. Fung said he has been attending the rodeo for more than 15 years.

“It’s just a staple, and it’s kind of an old home week,” said volunteer Beverley Bishop.

Bishop’s father was one of the founding members of the rodeo. “They’re just a great organization. The fire department has been doing this for years, so I’d say credit goes to them. The members who started it and the ones who have come through the years with the help of the firemen ... it takes a community of volunteers from all over the area.”

The fire department is hosting a dinner each evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the social hall behind the rodeo arena. Price will be determined, and the menus are available on the rodeo’s website.

Admission, including fees, is $20.02 for adults and $10.53 for children ages 4 to 12 online at the rodeo’s website.

More information on the rodeo can be found at the North Washington Volunteer Fire Department’s website.

A competitor competes in steer wrestling during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in bareback riding during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

The American flag is carried round the arena ahead of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Rodeo clown Dusty Myers does an act during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in barrel racing during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in bareback riding during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Rodeo clown Dusty Myers puts on a performance during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

The American flag is carried round the area ahead of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in bareback riding during the first day of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Matthew Smith competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A barrel racer competes in the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Matthew Smith competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A barrel racer competes in the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Nicholas Martino competes in steer wrestling during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor loses her rope in breakaway roping during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in barrel racing during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Matthew Smith competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Trick riders put on a show during intermission at the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Drew Carnes competes in steer roping during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in steer wrestling during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Matthew Smith competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor misses his steer during the steer wrestling competition at the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Spur Montag competes in bronc riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

A competitor competes in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

William Wayne competes in steer roping during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Zack Cargle competes in steer wrestling during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Spur Montag competes in bronc riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Zack Cargle competes in steer wrestling during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Connor Brumley competes in bronc riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

The American flag is carried around the arena ahead of the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Matthew Smith walks out of the arena after competing in bareback riding during the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)

Allie Ray, 5, prepares to race with her stick horse during intermission at the North Washington Rodeo on Tuesday, August 13. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/13/2024)