The Best of the West

The Best of the West. The Sanish Rodeo. From 1947 to 1953, the Sanish Rodeo drew thousands of visitors to the small town of Sanish, ND. People traveled from all corners of the state to watch events, including Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Trick Riding, and a Free-For-All Horse Race. , According to the July 6, 1950 edition of the Sanish Sentinel " (sic) The arena was surrounded with humanity about 10 to 15 deep. And the crowd estimated at about 18,000 to 20,000 was not disappointed. , It was often said " The best of the west ride at Sanish" because riders from all across the country would come to test their luck. Those who did become champions in the main events received gold and silver bell buckets, and the overall champions received a saddle. Prize money was also awarded, which in 1953, totaled $3,600.00. , The rodeo ended in 1953, when the rising waters of Lake Sakakawea inundated the town. The rodeo grounds, which were located in a beautiful wooded area along the west bank of the river now lies almost directly beneath the Four Bears Bridge. , In 2001, the Sanish Rodeo was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in its Special Achievement Division. The recognition is a tribute to the Sanish Rodeo's role in North Dakota History and North Dakota's Cowboy legacy.