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Rodeo Week was also "Carnival Time" in Livermore. In the early years, the carnival was held on J and K Streets as well as on Second Street. There were many booths. Vacant lots and south of Second Street were used for rides. Later the carnival moved north of First Street and south of Railroad Avenue. Street dances were held at night on J Street between First and Second. On one occasion, there was a dance at Sweeney Ballroom. Adding to the revelry, the "Hoosegow" or jail on wheels would travel First Street daily looking for anyone not wearing some form of western or Spanish attire. If caught, a person was "locked up" for his "crime" by traveling Main Street in the "Hoosegow." There was always a parade on the 4th of July with many floats, marching units, bands, decorated automobiles and other motorized or horse drawn attractions, plus of course, riders on horseback.

In addition to this "Big" Parade, there was also a horse parade at 12 or 1 o'clock each day of the show. The horses paraded east on First Street, turned south on Lizzie Street (Livermore Ave.) and went out to the Rodeo grounds, where they entered and took part in the Grand Entry. All of the participants received free admission to the show.

May 1, 1921, marked the first time that the rodeo grounds were used for a community event other than a rodeo, when a May Day Fete was held for all the schools in the Livermore-Amador Valley. A California Frontier Days Pageant was part of the entertainment at the 1921 Livermore Rodeo. Other community events followed through the years. For example, in the mid 1930's all of the rural schools in South Alameda County gathered at the grounds for a physical education "playday."

As the Rodeo proved to be a financial success, land acquisitions and improvements continued. More seating was erected and all grandstands were covered. More chutes and holding pens were built. The barn of the 143rd Field Artillery, which was located on what is now Pacific Avenue, was acquired. It is still being used for community events. In 1948 the Association's holdings had grown to 40.5 acres.

The well earned slogan "World's Fastest Rodeo" was first used in 1935. Speed had always been an important factor. There was a track around the arena where many events were held. This included cowboy and cowgirl races, relay races where cowboys or cowgirls changed horses at each station, and Pony Express races, where saddles as well as horses were changed. There were Roman races where one rider stood astride two horses with one foot on each horse. In addition to the races, there was trick riding, trick and fancy roping, steer decorating, stockhorse contests, hackamore class, silver mounted competition, competition for best horse and working outfit. Simultaneously, inside the arena there was saddle bronc riding, bull riding, "double roping," "single roping," steer wrestling, amateur team roping, steer decorating and wild cow milking.

Keeping with the original patriotic spirit of the first show, those held in the war years were
used for Navy relief.

This history brought to you by Kathryn Laughlin and Leona McGlinchey. Excerpt and photographs are from the 1993 Livermore Rodeo program.

Photo descriptions in order of appearance: John McGlinchey, "Father" of the Livermore Rodeo - Photo courtesy of Kathryn Laughlin.
Hugh Walker, T.W. Norris, Glen Smallcomb, Ray Bernhart, and Mike Callahan - Photo courtesy of Lois Walker.
1918 Parade's Horseless Carriage and City Cannon - Photo courtesy of Madeline Henry. 1926 "Main Street" Fair - Photo courtesy of Jerry Deck.

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