Townsend Rodeo Celebrates 62 Years and Wins Gold Level Rodeo of the Year
Author: Townsend Rodeo Board
Townsend Rodeo Celebrates 62 Years and Wins Gold Level Rodeo of the Year Townsend Rodeo Board Townsend Rodeo Board This August, Townsend Rodeo proudly celebrated 62 years of rodeo in Broadwater County — a milestone that few communities ever reach and one we are incredibly proud to achieve. The legacy of rodeo in Broadwater County runs deep, built through generations of families who have worked tirelessly to keep the western way of life alive and well. Many of our current board members grew up helping their parents at the rodeo grounds, lending a hand wherever they could — all because of a shared love for rodeo and a desire to give back to our community.
Over the past year, the board made several significant investments in the rodeo grounds. One of the most impactful was the purchase of a tractor, which has helped make heavy work a little lighter and allows us to prepare both the roping barn and outdoor arena without needing to borrow equipment.
Thanks to successful grant applications, we’ve also made several key improvements to enhance both safety and the spectator experience. With support from the Broadwater Trust Board and Rotary Club of Townsend, we were able to purchase and install a new arena sound system — a major upgrade that benefits both contestants and fans. In addition, the handicapped seating area received a complete overhaul with a safer ramp, improved landscaping, and fresh paint on the surrounding woodwork. New memorial plaques were added, and a custom-built kiosk was installed to share event updates and community information. To keep our beautiful grounds in top condition, we also acquired a new riding mower with grant funding.
Townsend Rodeo has been proudly sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association (NRA) since the mid-1980s, after previously being part of the Montana Rodeo Association (MRA) prior to their merger. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a strong relationship with the NRA — and this year, we were deeply honored to be voted the Gold Level Rodeo of the Year by the NRA Executive Board and the top fifteen contestants in each event. All of the hard work and improvements around the grounds have not gone unnoticed by the cowboys and cowgirls statewide. Townsend Rodeo last received this same award about fifteen years ago. Once a club has earned this coveted recognition, it becomes ineligible to win again for the next four years.
This prestigious award recognizes excellence across several criteria, including arena conditions, organization, and overall production. Contestants praised Townsend as “the best run, smoothest rodeo around” — high praise coming from those who travel and compete at rodeos across the region.
To say the board is honored and ecstatic about this award is an understatement. We work year-round to produce the very best event possible for our cowboys, cowgirls, and spectators. Most importantly, we strive to give back to a community that supports us beyond measure.
This rodeo wouldn’t exist without the countless volunteers, donors, and helpers who make it all happen — from ticket takers and equipment movers to those watering the arena, trimming trees, directing traffic, and selling concessions. Every contribution matters, and together, we make Townsend Rodeo what it is today.
Here’s to another 62 years of rodeo in Broadwater County. Thank you, Northern Rodeo Association and all the NRA cowboys and cowgirls, for the vote of confidence and the incredible honor of naming Townsend Rodeo the Gold Level Rodeo of the Year for 2025.
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