Clements Stampede revives a small‑town rodeo tradition

CLEMENTS — After years of silence, the Clements Stampede returned this weekend, bringing back a tradition rooted in cowboy grit, community pride and family fun.

A rodeo with deep roots

The Stampede began in 1942 as a non-professional rodeo and fundraiser to support the Marines during World War II. Back then, it drew hundreds of ranchers and cowhands. Today, the mission is still the same — celebrate local talent and bring the community together.

Brian Gideon, president of the Clements Buckaroos, helped lead the revival.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but the response has been incredible,” Gideon said. “We’ve had a packed parking lot and so many people enjoying themselves. The Clements Stampede is back.”

Family fun and local pride

Over 2,800 tickets were sold for the weekend. Saturday’s events included junior exhibitions, food vendors, mutton bustin’ and a concert by the Poison Oakies. Sunday featured cowboy church and the Lil Buckaroo Special Rodeo — a set of adapted events for children with special needs.

For Annie Ragsdale, the event was a chance to share something new with her kids.

“They’ve never been to the Stampede,” she said. “I hope they keep doing this every year. It’s something all the country kids around here need.”

A hometown hero

Riley Currin, a national champion steer wrestler from the area, returned home to compete in front of friends and family. He recently won the National High School Finals in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

“It’s amazing to represent my hometown after competing on the biggest stages,” Currin said. “No matter where I’m competing, I stick to the same mindset and routine.”

Jackson Bottoms, a young rodeo hopeful and friend of Currin, said the victory was inspiring.

“He told us he was going there to win, and then he did,” Bottoms said. “It shows that someone from here can make it big.”

A fresh start for a historic event

The Buckaroos brought the rodeo back with the help of local sponsors, volunteers and a tight budget.

“We started this revival with two nickels to rub together,” Gideon said. “And look at what we’ve done. Families are here, kids are smiling, and the tradition is alive again.”