• Attica Rodeo & Show Association EST. 1957 •
About Attica Rodeo
Community, Tradition, and the Spirit of Rodeo
We are proud to be a community-centered organization, fueled by the hard work and dedication of volunteers and rodeo enthusiasts who share our commitment to preserving this time-honored sport. Beyond just an event, the Attica Rodeo serves as a gathering place for friends, families, and fans who return year after year to celebrate the excitement, camaraderie, and values that rodeo represents.
about us
The Legacy of Attica Rodeo
Since its founding in 1957, the Attica Rodeo has grown to become one of the most beloved rodeo events in the Northeast. Operated by the Attica Rodeo & Show Association, we proudly maintain the traditions of the American rodeo while offering a modern, exciting experience for fans of all ages.
Our rodeo is more than just an event—it’s a community gathering where families, friends, and fans come together to celebrate the cowboy spirit. We are committed to preserving this tradition while giving back to the local community through charitable work and scholarships.
Family Fun and Excitement
Our History
Four young men set out with truck and trailer to purchase four bucking horses for their up-coming 1st Rodeo. Their journey led them to Jamestown Penn. where a horse sale was being held.
The group of 4: Dave Wheeler, Dave Leslie, Bernie Buckenmeyer, and Gene Reding, sat anxiously on the bleachers of the horse sales ring and as the Auctioneer took their bids, he hollered out “sold to the boys in the white T-shirts”. The boys loaded their horses for home.
The purchase price was between $75-$100 for each horse. This was the start of 66 successful rodeos. Out of the four horses a mare was purchased, which when unloaded at home became a gelding!” The boys were the “new kids on the block” and someone was expected to have pulled a switch on them in the trailer. All of the other livestock was then purchased for the rodeo. Its remembered Dean Sawyer bought some Brahma Bulls that could jump a 6’ fence standing still, so as they say “on with the show”.
The arena, a little smaller than today had a fence but no bleachers, the people pulled their vehicles up to the fence and sat on their hoods to watch the rodeo. It was said the 2nd row seating was on the roofs of their cars.
Building the Tradition:
How the Attica Rodeo Began
The lighting system consisted of spot lights on old poles. The club as small as it was owned and maintained all the livestock for 30 plus years. They ran the chutes, announced the show, hired the acts, clowns, and secretaries, they ran the entire deal. They were determined to copy the rodeo in Bradford, PA.
They put on a weekend of shows similar to today’s performances. The boys decided to charge $1.00 admission per adult. Dave Leslie argued that $1.00 was too much and he said 90 cents, so the decision was made 90 cents for adults and 25 cents per child. The attendance for the Rodeo was made up mostly of family, riders and a few friends.
The first year the food stand consisted of a leaky shed roof built 12’ x 16’ where they served hot dogs, hamburgers and pop. There was no beer stand, and there weren’t any bathrooms. All gates were built out of wood by hand and all railroad ties were hand dug to support the arena fence.
These few young members worked very hard to get the rodeo up and running. Often they gave up the thought of a good nights sleep as they rode their horses through the Tonawanda Creek and neighboring woods to the arena where they worked evenings on the rodeo grounds.
Passion and Pride
The Spirit of the First Attica Rodeo
Unconcerned about the few hours left before their early farm work, they would play chase in the arena, working the “bugs” out of their horses. Leaving the arena tired and exhausted, their spirits were held high knowing that they would return to do it all again at the end of the next day. They enjoyed what they did, and were proud of their work.
I am sure their backbones stood tall and hair stood on end as they so proudly announced, “WELCOME RODEO FANS TO THE FIRST ATTICA RODEO!”
Admission is good for the entire rodeo; this includes all rodeo events. Event is RAIN OR SHINE.
Concessions are available on the grounds.
NOTE: No firearms are permitted on the grounds
No Dogs, Coolers, Lawn Chairs allowed.
Come early as all seating is general admission first come first serve. (Could be turned away if we are at capacity)
