For July 4: Old West Trail Rodeo
The annual Old West Trail Rodeo, held in Crawford, Neb. every July 2-4, actually began in September 1945, as a fundraiser to facilitate the construction of a hospital in Crawford.
The initial rodeo was so well received, it was decided to make the rodeo an annual event. The first sanctioned rodeo was in August 1946 and “The Old West Trail Rodeo” was born. In 1947, to increase rodeo attendance and enhance the local economy, the rodeo was scheduled as part of the Fourth of July celebration.
The original Hospital Rally Day Rodeo in 1945, the PRCA sanctioning in 1946, and the July 4 schedule change in 1946 give the Old West Trail Rodeo three anniversaries to celebrate. The biggest impact was the PRCA designation — which increased the rodeo’s recognition and competitor interest.
The Old West Trail Rodeo is every July 2, 3 and 4, with nightly performances at 8 p.m. The Fourth of July rodeo performance is followed by a fireworks display. Crawford also hosts an Independence Day parade on July 4 and a community celebration in the city park.