3 minute read
Edmond Life and Leifure - June 12, 2025
History Museum’s exhibit honors Edmond Round Up Club
Yee-haw and Giddy Up! The Edmond History Museum presents the exhibit Rodeo Glory: The History of the Edmond Round Up Club, on display until October 30, 2025.
The exhibit features photographs, artifacts and loaned items that range from saddles and belt buckles to cowboy hats and rodeo items owned by Carl Benne. In addition, photos and paintings by Edmond artist, Jennifer Cocoma Hustis, are on display, inspired by her own experiences with the Edmond Junior Rodeo at the Carl Benne Arena. The exhibit is sponsored by Edmond Round Up Club and Cameron & Betsy Mantor. F
For 85 years, the Edmond Round Up Club has promoted, taught, and preserved the familyfriendly sport of rodeo in Edmond. Beginning in 1941, participants competed in statewide rodeo contests and rode in parades. By 1947, land was cleared for a rodeo grounds at Danforth and Bryant. When the decision was made to build Kickingbird Golf Course in the 1960s, the Edmond Round Up Club moved to its current location on north Kelly. The Edmond City
Council named the arena after Carl Benne in 2003 for his continuous and significant work for the Round-Up Club, dating back to 1963.
Exhibit Highlights: Rope (c1975) and Spurs (c1955) owned by Carl Benne
Hand-Painted Resitol Hat worn by Edmond Round Up Club Sweetheart, Katie Hustis, painted by her mother, Jennifer (2015) 24 award buckles belonging to various event winners Mutton Bustin’ Helmet and Vest (2020), owned by Ella Rose Ouverson, All-around Champion.
All Around Cowboy Saddle won by Tiffany Legg (1996) and All Around Champion Saddle won by Jarrette Ventresca (2024)
Additional Events:
To supplement the This Ain’t Our First Rodeo exhibit, the Museum will host a variety of programming to compliment the exhibit, including: Edmond Round Up Club & Edmond Jr. Rodeo Reunion, June 21, 1:00-4:00pm: Are you part of
the Edmond Round Up Club family? Participants from all eras are invited to a come-and-go reception to view the exhibit, enjoy snacks, and share memories. Bring your memorabilia and photographs---the museum staff would like to photograph these items to add to our historical records.
Rodeo Rogers: The Legacy of Will Rogers & Roy Rogers, date TBD. This 1940s Radio Theater production features live actors and musicians, reenacting skits in the style of America’s famous movie cowboys: Will Rogers, comedian and roping legend and Roy Rogers, the singing King of the Cowboys.
More programs details will be added to the EdmondHistory.org website as they develop. Exhibit artwork and a coloring book by Jennifer Cocoma Hustis are available for purchase.
Museum Information: Edmond History Museum is open 10:00-5:00 Monday – Friday and 1-4:00 Saturday. Please visit the museum website at www.EdmondHistory.org or by calling the museum at 405-340-0078. Admission is free.
