The East Helena Rodeo kicks off Saturday at the East Helena Rodeo Arena, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and free admission for all. The event carries more than six decades of history behind it — the first East Helena Rodeo was held in 1963, organized by VFW Post 10010, whose members leveled donated land from the American Smelting and Refining Company, built the original arena and facilities, and put on the inaugural show in what was then a working smelter town.
The rodeo's roots in East Helena's industrial past give it a character distinct from larger regional events. ASARCO's smelter defined East Helena for most of the 20th century, and community events like the rodeo were woven into the fabric of a town built around shift work and union membership. The VFW's role in founding and sustaining the event reflects that same civic tradition.
Saturday's rodeo is a family-friendly afternoon and evening event, with free admission making it one of the more accessible summer traditions in the Helena Valley. East Helena and Helena residents alike have made the short drive across the valley a regular part of their summer for generations.
The arena is located in East Helena, just east of the city limits. Organizers ask attendees to arrive early as parking fills quickly for the popular annual event.