Fortuna Rodeo Grounds Grandstand

Fortuna Rodeo Grounds Grandstand. . The first Fortuna Rodeo was held on August 27 and 28, 1921 in the newly created Rohner Park, and was sponsored by the Humboldt County Stockman’s Association. At this time the rodeo was a pro-am event and saw such talent as Jesse Stahl, Clay Carr, Sonny Tureman, Ty Stokes, and local cowboy Clarence Bugenig. In 1955, the rodeo became strictly amateur., The Fortuna Businessmen’s Association assumed sponsorship of the rodeo in 1930 as the Stockmen withdrew due to the Great Depression, nevertheless, the hard times caused the rodeo to be cancelled in 1934 and 1935. The event was again cancelled between 1942 and 1945 due to World War 2, but the Women’s Ambulance and Defense Corp organized a one-day rodeo in 1942 to raise money to purchase an ambulance., In 1940, a project christened the “Fortuna Stadium” was begun. With a $40,000 Work Projects Administration (WPA) grant, and an additional $9,000 provided by the City of Fortuna, and $3,000 by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, work began on this 3,500-seat grandstand and other facilities located on the grounds. Originally dedicated on September 29, 1940, this grandstand “commands a view of the rodeo arena and the redwood covered hills in the background.” The first rodeo, at this location, was held in 1941. The grandstand was rebuilt several times between 1967 and 2021., The WPA was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program signed into law May 8, 1935, and these grandstands serve as an example of the success of this program and ongoing support by the community of Fortuna.