In the Beginning...

How the Fortuna Rodeo Began

The Fortuna Rodeo had its beginnings way back in 1921 when the Cattlemen's Association of Humboldt County planned a picnic. It was to be an afternoon and evening affair, with "Rodeo Stunts" after the barbecue and a dance in the evening with the intention of making it the biggest and jolliest picnic of the year!

Charles W. Moore of Ferndale was general chairman, with Frank Rolley as superintendent of the barbecue. On the general committee were H. W. McWhorter, W. N. Russ, E. N. Tooby and Fred D. Smith, with volunteer help from others. Ben Snodgrass was director of judges with William Graham of Bridgeville, Joe Russ of Ferndale and Buff Robinson assisting. The first event had a 25-piece band, a grand ball and a chicken supper. There was a gratifying response with 3,000 people attending.

That was the beginning . . .

A great tradition began in Fortuna; the Redwood Fortuna Rodeo. Humboldt County has been an agricultural center for California, as its first settlers were ranchers. It's a little wonder that Fortuna lays claim to the oldest and longest running annual rodeo on the North Coast. Because of that, the rodeo has a long-standing history of attracting some of the top livestock and rodeo cowboys on the West Coast.

Bronco Bob riding Cap Clark, 1925

By 1926, the event had turned into a rip-roaring three-day whirlwind of thrills and excitement. Doug Prior of Blocksburg was the chairman, and W. F. Robinson was committeeman in charge of the stock and the grounds. Ready were three carloads of bucking horses and 60 head of wild range cattle, secured by E. B. Lytle and Charles Moore.

Crowds came, enjoyed the Maverick ball and the Sombrero ball on both Saturday and Sunday evenings.

In 1930 there were more changes — now came riders from Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity and Mendocino, instead of professional riders. Putting on the show were G. E. Peterson, Charles Wescott, Art Chandler, George Graves, Cecil Evers, Paul Friedenbach, Jack Benson, Louis Gist, H. W. McWhorter, Fred Krieg, Frank Brelle, Paul Mudgett, L. L. Bryan, L. S. East, P. A. Hugo and others.

One year the rodeo went "long hair," when Frederick Jagel of the Metropolitan Grand Opera Company sang every afternoon.

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