A Rodeo Passes into History

Here is a sad story from Alberta, Canada. The Lacombe Kinsmen Pro Rodeo, started in 1961, will be no more. Lack of interest and community apathy seem to be the cause of this rodeo's demise (the rodeo isn't the only community event to be dropped in Lacombe).
Read the Full Story from the Lacombe Globe.

It always breaks my heart when I hear a story like this. Rodeos can be highly successful on a national level, but I can't help but feel that small town rodeos just might be an endangered species, especially in those towns that no longer have a rural culture.

Here are some personal examples:
The area I live in now has a surprisingly rich rodeo history. The Baker Ranch Rodeo once featured the likes of Hoot Gibson, drew large crowds (famous spectators included John Wayne, Clark Gable, and William S. Hart), and competitors from all over the west. This great rodeo disappeared relatively early, during the 40's, but still made occasional appearances. As this area grew and industrialized, the rodeo was eventually forgotten.

Today we have the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, but no rodeo. Too bad really...

I grew up near the Clements Stampede rodeo. This rodeo was always a highlight of the year, but recently Clements was dropped from the PRCA line-up due to cost concerns. The rodeo still takes place under the CCPRA (a great state organization), but I shudder to think what will happen if money becomes even more scarce...

I won't even mention the rodeo that used to take place in Galt every weekend, paved to expand a flea market...

How can small communities prevent their rodeos from disappearing?
What do you think?
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