Marine Corps Logistics Base, Calif. -- Saddles were cinched and boots and chaps were donned as members of the High Desert community made their way to Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Sept. 28-29 as the base played host to the annual Barstow Rodeo Stampede.
The event, sanctioned by the National Police Rodeo Association, was open to the public and consisted of traditional rodeo events.
The Barstow Stampede differentiates itself from other rodeos in numerous ways, including its choice in location.
"This is the only rodeo I know of that's held on a military base," explained Mel Wessel, chairman of the event. "The city has had a long lasting and well working arrangement with the base to hold its rodeo at the [Mounted Color Guard's] stables each year," he added.
The two-night event garnered approximately 3,500 guests. To prepare for the event, MCLB Marines had to ready the grounds to house the popular show.
"About a week prior, we had Marines here help prepare the grounds in every way we could to help accommodate guests for the event," said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Smith, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the MCG. "We did things such as simple grounds keeping and maintenance like getting the arena ground ready or removing weeds. The base safety office even came through to make sure the grounds were safe for the people attending."
The Barstow Rodeo Stampede opened each night with the MCG presenting the national colors as the Star Spangled Banner sounded across the arena and its outlying areas. The event featured many traditional rodeo events such as calf roping, mutton busting, and bull riding, among several others. The Barstow Stampede also paid tribute each night to service members who have given their life in the line of duty, or were injured defending their country.
Members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion West’s 29 Palms Detachment were present for the rodeo each night and in a proclamation from the Barstow City Council, Sept. 29 was declared "Wounded Warrior Day" within the limits of the city.
"It was an honor being recognized at the rodeo," said Lance Cpl. Philip Spiller, with the detachment and guest of the rodeo's program. "I came to the event last year and now, after this year, I plan to come back to ones in the future as well," he added.
Wessel said the rodeo brought a sense of hometown pride, patriotism and camaraderie, which was what he was hoping for.
"It's great we're able to get so many people to come together for an event like this. It gives the rodeo such a hometown atmosphere feel," explained Wessel. "Most of the people involved in planning or running the event are from the area as well."
Although the rodeo has come and gone for this year, organizers for the event are already deep in thought for next year.
"It was great to be able to help set up this year's rodeo and be a part in the planning of it," said Smith. "Next year, I'd like to have a little bit easier access for those handicapped [patrons].’
With the dust barely settled from this year’s rodeo, Smith explained that he can’t wait to see what the organizers come up with for next year.