Tradition, family and memories.
These are all factors that have made the Flint Hills Rodeo a success for nearly nine decades now in the opinion of organizer Dow Wilson. Wilson spoke with KVOE News Saturday during the grand finale of the 86th rodeo in Strong City.
According to Wilson, each night saw a great turnout, however, Saturday’s final show had the largest attendance with approximately 5,000 to 5,500 people in attendance. When asked what he feels is the magic ingredient in the event’s success, Wilson says it is its longevity as over the better than 80 years the rodeo has been around it has truly become a generational tradition for many families.
In recent years the rodeo has donated tickets to area school districts and this year was no different as they distributed over 13,000 tickets across 28 area districts. Wilson says this is an important part of the rodeo’s continued success as they are helping younger residents make lasting memories that will keep them coming back for years.
On top of the high-quality action inside of the arena, the rodeo again featured the trade show, stick horse rodeo, the cowboy and cowgirl dance and the rodeo parade.
