Tramping Lake’s rodeo history

By Joan Janzen

More than sixty years ago, the communities of Major, Luseland and Kerrobert combined their efforts to host a rodeo at Tramping Lake Park. According to the Tramping Lake history book, the plans began in 1962 when Archie Ashbacher from Loverna/Major area and Arden Body from Luseland approached the Tramping Lake Park Board about starting up a rodeo on the old stampede grounds.

In 1964 Tramping Lake Park made attempts to purchase a piece of land on top of a hill for a golf course. It was described as “the hill that everyone has to climb.” Photo Tramping Lake history book

The project was going to require a lot of volunteer work and funds, but the cowboys west of Kerrobert were willing to give it a try. The Major Rodeo Club agreed to supply and make corrals and bring stock, while the Tramping Lake Park Board operated the gate entrance and booth. The rodeo was held in July, followed by a dance. The Park Board was to keep 10% of the profits; however the event had a disappointing turnout.

Nevertheless the rodeo and dance were held once again a year later in 1963. Mike Hango’s orchestra entertained at the dance, but the rodeo lost money for the second year in a row.

That same year attempts were made to purchase a piece of land on top of the hill for a golf course. The efforts were described as “the hill that everyone has to climb”.