Ellensburg Rodeo

Rodeo Committee • Class of 2020

Nestled in the center of Washington State in the Kittitas Valley, Ellensburg has become one of the top destinations for cowboys and cowgirls near the end of the regular PRCA season. The rodeo started in 1923 when local businessmen, farmers, ranchers, and townsmen began to feel the tug of nostalgia as airplanes, moving pictures, and automobiles started replacing the Western lifestyle.

Held over Labor Day Weekend each year, the Ellensburg Rodeo is an important stop in the series of Northwest rodeos.

The Ellensburg Rodeo is held on the historic rodeo grounds at the base of Craig’s Hill, and the Yakama Indian Nation has always participated. With a fulltime population of 21,000, this “Rodeo City” hosts one of the highest paying regular season rodeos. Since 2009, Ellensburg has served as the finale for the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour.

The committee has had three Justin Committeeman of the Year Awards: Ken MacRae (1998), Joel Smith (2007), Steve Alder (2013). These awards highlight the commitment of the 100% volunteer-run organization. In 1997, the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame Association was founded to preserve the history and traditions of this nationally renowned rodeo.