The Flint Hills Rodeo had the Cowboy Turtle Association's stamp of approval in the early years, followed by the Rodeo Cowboys Association's blessing, and in the most recent years, the PRCA - the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association's endorsement. The Flint Hills Rodeo is still at home in Chase County, in the cattle country of the Kansas Flint Hills. This area's living history is seen in herds of cattle grazing on the hills' bluestem grass. Bluestem thrives in thin soil where stone is often just below its root system. This grass has ties with the Flint Hills Rodeo since each has found a way to thrive in spite of its situation.
Bluestem grows well in thin, rocky soil.
The Flint Hills Rodeo prospers with even though its roots are traced to beginning in the Great Depression, counting on lots of volunteer help, continuing through wars and weathering tough times in the cattle business. This rodeo is a tried and true treasure which is put on each year, rain or shine. The story of the Flint Hills Rodeo is what I call a braided tale. The Roberts family, community people, local ranching, the Rodeo board, and the Flint Hills themselves are woven often seamlessly into its history. Additional plaits in the braid are weather, the parade, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, and the stock.