August 16th – 20th, 2011
CNR History
The Caldwell Night Rodeo was organized in 1935 as part of the festivities to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the beginning of irrigation on the Boise project. It was called the Homesteaders’ Silver Jubilee and Night Rodeo. Lights were installed on the grounds and the first night rodeo to be held in southern Idaho was witnessed by thousands of people. Stock was provided by Everett Colborn and Doc Sorenson and $2,500 was put up in prize money. Kid Combs of Caldwell, a professional bronc buster, was the first cowboy to file his name on the entry list for the rodeo.
The rodeo became an annual event in Caldwell and grew bigger and better every year in the l930s thanks to the work and support of the community. It continued into the l940s and only missed two years during the war when President Roosevelt requested that such events not be held.
Tex Ritter, a popular singing cowboy, was the first star of the Caldwell. That was in 1947, and throughout that decade, large crowds and local enthusiasm abounded at the night rodeo.
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