For the past 59 summers, fans have been treated to a rodeo on the Long Beach Peninsula. The last weekend in July the 60th rodeo promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The first Long Beach Rodeo was held where the Little League ball field and Fire Hall are now located in Long Beach. The Chamber of Commerce put on the first three rodeos at that site. Then, 57 years ago, the Peninsula Saddle Club (PSC) came into existence and they have organized and run the rodeo ever since.

J.T. “Shorty” Wright had probably the biggest influence on the first several years of the rodeo and on its move to the present complex on Sandridge Road a quarter mile north of Sid Snyder Drive. Wright did everything from repairing a gate to fixing broken water lines and actually took up residence on the rodeo grounds.

The 2005 rodeo will feature eight new solid guard rail pens and a brand-spanking new water system. The two features will make it possible to hold more events throughout the year and make it more secure when housing bulls weighing in at close to a ton apiece.

Currently the Long Beach Rodeo, family night, poker rides, barrel races, trail rides, and the Cowboy Breakfast during Loyalty Day, are the main featured events put on by the PSC. The Columbia River Cowpokes, the local 4-H club, also use the facilities for their activities. An economical horse camping facility is adjacent to the rodeo grounds for rent by visitors to the area.

The competition portion will feature saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling or bulldogging, calf roping, barrel racing and pee-wee and junior barrels, and the most popular event, and possibly the world’s most dangerous sporting event, is bullriding.

Peninsula Saddle Club spokesman, Rick Haug, said, “We’re always looking for team-oriented new members. Our goal is to work together to promote equestrian activities for all ages here on the Long Beach Peninsula.”