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No
history of the Livermore Rodeo would be complete without mentioning
that in 1918, World War I was still raging. The Red Cross was
in dire need of funds, so California cities and towns were assessed.
Livermore's quota was $1,200, which was quite a large amount at
that time. 
John McGlinchey, president of the Livermore Stockmen's Protective
Association answered the challenge by proposing that a rodeo be
held to earn the money. He appointed a committee, consisting of
Joseph Concannon, Chairman, and James Gallagher, John Flynn, A.
W. Ebright and Charles Graham to help with planning the event.
They would work with the officers of the Stockmen's Protective
Association including John J. Callaghan, Peter Connolly, Patrick
Connolly, H. T. Holly, M. C. Mulqueeny, and Peter Moy.
A portion of the James Anderson ranch, located
near what is now 580 and Portola Ave. off-ramp, was the logical
choice for the location of the rodeo, because there was a natural
basin for holding stock and a rim that served as elevated seating
for spectators. A fence was constructed around the basin to form
the arena. Circus seats were leased. Cars were allowed to park
in the back of these seats and many people watched the rodeo from
their cars.
From
eye witness accounts, the Grand Entry was a most thrilling event.
Two horses posed at the top of the hill east of the arena. Christine
Thiel was on a white horse and carrying the American flag. James
McGlinchey, on a bay horse was carrying another flag. At a given
signal, the horses raced down the hill - the white horse in the
lead. At the foot of the hill, many other horses followed the
first two into the arena forming a colorful grand entry. Much
of the stock came from local ranches, but some was brought in
from other areas. Due to the efforts of the Livermore G. F. Madsen,
proprietor of the Bell Theater, Universal Studios filmed the event.
The newsreel was shown throughout the country - Livermore was
on the map!
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