Jasper’s Rodeo History

2011.66.01.21 Rodeo cowboys at Henry House Flats including Don Guild, Johnny Keen, Jackie Cooper, Walt Zinc, Art Adams, Bert Wilkins, Abe Reimer, Clay Robbins, Bob Doran, Bert Kitchen, Art Hughes, Dan Bowlen, Charlie Matheson, Stan Kitchen and Fabe Long. 1926

A Jasper Rodeo Timeline

1925 Jasper’s first rodeo was held at Henry House Flats.

1926 The Jasper Horseman’s Association was formed to foster a love of horses and encourage breeding of horses that would be suitable to the mountains. They hosted picnics, dances and annual field day. Originally it was a competition between owners and riders of horses. Their name was changed to the Rodeo and Turf Club in 1931.

1929 The government granted them a lease at Marmot Meadows. Corrals and a grandstand were built. Events included cow milking, mutton busting and pole bending and for many years the Stoneys from Kootenay and Morley were invited to attend. Some years a dance floor was built on the site for the rodeo dance.

1969 The government cancelled the rodeo’s lease and Wally Byams’ airstream trailers were granted a lease for the site for three years.

1977 The Jasper Curling Club took over and the rodeo was moved indoors.

1985 The Lions Club became involved.

1991 The rodeo became a professional event.

2002 Jasper Heritage Rodeo was established and was run by volunteers who donated to many Jasper organizations over the years.

2022 The Jasper Heritage Rodeo folded.