About Us

When it comes to summertime in the Bellevue area, it doesn’t get much better than taking in the local rodeo. 

In fact, the Jackson County Pro Rodeo is ranked as one of the top five small rodeos in the United States by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and people from across the Midwest come to enjoy the unique three-day event, which is filled with cowboys, cowgirls, queens, food, music and wholesome fun.

The PRCA/WPRA sanctioned rodeo runs for three evenings at the Bellevue Horsemen’s Club arena and grounds west of Bellevue just off Bellevue-Cascade Road. Gates open at 5 p.m. each evening with rodeo action beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The rodeo is put on each year by volunteer members of the Bellevue Horsemen’s Club.  There's a lot of hardwork that goes into putting on a rodeo and our club members are the definition of true volunteerism.

Families bring their lawn chairs and blankets to line the hill overlooking the arena and listen to veteran announcer Roger Mooney. Following a kick-off party Wednesday, Thursday is a great night to bring the whole family.

The kid's corral, pig scramble, mutton bustin' and clowns prove big hits with the kids. Food stands, mechanical bulls, live music and beer are also part of the event.

Events like steer wrestling and team roping test practical ranching skills, drawing on the county’s rich cattle-breeding tradition. Bernard’s Three Hills Rodeo provides stock locally and for rodeos around the nation.

Meanwhile, the big-thrill events like bronc riding and especially bull-riding draws gasps from the crowd.

Other high-action events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping,

According to Rodeo Chair Lisa (Scheckel) Schroeder, the rodeo started in Bellevue in 1983 and was amateur for a couple of years, but quickly became professional in 1987, sanctioned by the PRCA.

“This all started as an idea of a few club members. We had a local stock contractor who worked with us to help us get on our feet, as well as the Jackson County Tourism Association,” said Schroeder.

The initial chair people included Dick and Mary Bayless and Don and LouAnn Scheckel, and continued on with Roger and Julie Mueller.  “The Bellevue Horsemen’s Club has always been a volunteer organization and all of the great people involved over the years have really made this a successful family event,” said Schroeder.