Hold on to your bootstraps! It’s time for the Benton Rodeo, and 2025 marks its 40th Anniversary! The rodeo started in 1985 during a need to raise money in the Benton area. Several businessmen and residents met at the Mill Race Golf Course. One of the attendees suggested that they put on a rodeo. Roy Evart said they could use his farm, and the golf course owner suggested using the golf course parking, as it was directly next door. That year’s rodeo was a huge success, netting over $10,000 for the community. This success encouraged them to do it again the following year which was, again, a big success. The proceeds were shared with several local groups and organizations. These first two years proved one thing: more room was needed if they were go- ing to continue putting on a rodeo. The team heard of a 20-acre lot that the town owned and leased to a farmer who planted corn in it each year. They went to the town council and asked if they could lease the land for the rodeo, and they were awarded a 3-year lease. The extra space allowed the team space for non-profits and local organizations to have their own booth. The booths would have French fries, ice cream, beverages, pizza, and more. But before all this could happen, the land needed to be developed. They need- ed fencing and gates for the ring, bleachers, and an announcer’s stand. The proceeds from the first two years helped to get it started. At the end of the 3-year lease, they received a longer 10-year lease. More improvements were needed as the rodeo grew. More people were attending, and additional seating was a must. Their revenue wouldn’t cover it. Now, it was time to see a lender. The bank was apprehensive to award a loan until some of the local businesses co-signed for the rodeo team. With money now available they updated the seating for 3,000 visitors and a new announcer’s stand was erected. They also received some sponsorships that allowed for the building of hardened booths for the vendors. It wasn’t long until the rodeo team figured out they needed to buy the land they had developed. They joined with a couple of council members and went
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