TOWNSEND — In Townsend, the Broadwater Rodeo and Fair is back in town. The crowds may be smaller than the major circuits, but the fairgrounds still fill with pride, tradition, and hard work.
“The rodeo and the fair, all of it together, it’s all about family,” said Broadwater County 4H livestock committee chairman Jason Noyes.
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In its 63rd year, the Broadwater Rodeo and Fair draws about 1,500 people each night — making it one of the biggest events of the year for Townsend and the rest of the county.
“Small towns in Montana, they survive off of all the events that can bring people in, and this one brings a lot to this community,” said Broadwater Rodeo board director Robert Michael.
Long before the gates open, dozens of volunteers are already hard at work setting everything up and maintaining the grounds year round.
The event is run by numerous directors, board members, and locals — all volunteering their time to put on a good show.
The work here doesn’t stop when the rodeo ends. Organizers say planning for next year begins almost immediately, with upgrades, fundraising, and finding new ways to keep this community tradition growing.
“We’ve got a number of people that are multigenerational members whose parents, their grandparents have been involved,” Michael stated.
Lisa Larson has been part of the rodeo for more than 40 years, following in the footsteps of her mom, who was also involved with the association and participated in the first rodeo in Townsend.
Larson serves as the Rodeo and Fair director of public relations and advertising, working to keep the community coming back for more year after year, and hopes to eventually pass down the torch to future generations.
“It takes a lot of people, a lot of people that love community and giving back,” Larson said. “Maybe one day my children or grandchildren will also be involved.”
For many families, that next generation is already here.
“Last night we had the kids rodeo. Both of my kids got the opportunity to compete. It was fantastic,” Michael said. “The kids are gonna remember this and hopefully bring their kids 20 years later and just keep this event going.”
“I rode in Helena last weekend,” explained 14-year-old saddle bronc rider Cinch Neal. “I’d say this one’s my favorite one. It’s really fun. It's just like a better vibe. This one’s more Montana- like.”
For the volunteers here, the reward isn’t found in prize money or national attention — it’s in preserving a tradition that continues to bring neighbors, families, and generations together.
