Oakdale Rodeo
The Oakdale Rodeo was the first outdoor rodeo in the Western United States, and since 1954, has been held, rain or shine. Oakdale earned the title “Cowboy Capital of the World” because of the number of successful Professional Rodeo Association cowboys who lived here. Today, the contestants, which have grown in number to over 400 and now include girl barrel racers, are often professional athletes instead of the ranch-born and bred contestants of the earlier days. Over the years, as the winner’s purse has increased, so has the pride of the Oakdale Saddle Club, as it presents this superior exhibition. So plan to be with us every year on the 2nd weekend of April to share in the festivities of the Oakdale Rodeo.
Oakdale Cowboy Museum
The Oakdale Cowboy Museum contains the sights, sounds, and smells of the Wild West, and, with its focus on the land and its people, seeks to embody the past and embrace the future. Items on display include saddles, buckles, ranching implements and memorabilia from pioneer ranching families, as well as rodeo stars Ted Nuce, Jerold Camarillo, Ace Berry and many more Oakdale greats.
The Cowboy Museum is located in the historic Southern Pacific railroad depot building at Sierra and East F Street, adjacent to the Visitors’ Center area. Open Monday -Friday, 11 am to 3pm. Tour groups welcome, with Saturday tours by appointment. Call 209-847-7049
Oakdale Rodeo Events
The Oakdale Rodeo takes place the 2nd weekend in April, and includes activities for the week prior to that, including:
Local Roping / BBQ
Cowgirl Luncheon
Arrest in the park
Queen Coronation
Mixer Cowboy Museum.
On Saturday morning, there is a Rodeo Parade, kicking off at 9am, full of clowns, mounted horse groups, floats and bands, all giving the visitor a look at a genuine heartland celebration. The Rodeo gets underway at 1pm, and continues through Sunday. And don’t miss the Rodeo Dance, on Saturday night.
For further information, please visithttp://www.oakdalerodeo.com/Welcome/Home.html
