Historic Boley Founders Day Rodeo Celebrates 123 Years of Legacy and Black Cowboy Heritage

BOLEY, Okla. — The Boley Founders Day Rodeo returns on Saturday, Sept. 12, for an exciting day-long celebration honoring 123 years of the historic Town of Boley.
Presented by the Boley Legacy Consortium, Project 2020 Foundation, and The Town of Boley, this annual celebration brings together rodeo, music, food, family activities, and Black Western heritage in one unforgettable event.
Founded in 1903, Boley remains one of America’s most historic all-Black towns. The Founders Day Rodeo celebrates the community’s rich history while preserving the traditions and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped shape the American West.
The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the annual Community Trail Ride and continues throughout the day with activities for the entire family, including live music, food vendors, a crab boil, ATV trail ride, line dancing, a school backpack giveaway, bike drawing, shopping with local vendors, and community fellowship.
At 6:00 p.m., the excitement moves to the Boley Rodeo Arena for the rodeo featuring an action-packed lineup of events, including:
Ranch Bronc Riding
Steer Wrestling
Calf Roping
Team Roping
Open Barrel Racing
Junior Barrel Racing
Junior Bull Riding
Ladies Steer Undecorating
Pony Express
Mutton Bustin’
Bull Riding
From youth competitors to seasoned rodeo athletes, spectators will experience an authentic Western rodeo celebrating courage, skill, tradition, and community.
“The Boley Founders Day Rodeo is more than a sporting event — it’s a celebration of our history, our culture, and the legacy of one of America’s most significant historic Black towns,” said Karen Ekuban, Executive Director of Project 2020 Foundation and Chair of the Boley Legacy Consortium. “We invite families from across Oklahoma and beyond to spend the day with us experiencing rodeo action, live entertainment, great food, and the warm hospitality that makes Boley so special.”
Each year, the Founders Day Rodeo welcomes visitors from around the world, generating economic impact for local businesses while preserving an important chapter of Oklahoma and American history.
Event Information
Boley Founders Day Rodeo
Saturday, September 12
Boley Rodeo Arena, Boley, Oklahoma
Schedule Highlights
10:00 a.m. – Community Trail Ride
Live Music Throughout the Day
Food Vendors & Shopping
Crab Boil
ATV Trail Ride
Line Dancing
School Backpack Giveaway
Bike Drawing
6:00 p.m. – Open Rodeo
Purchase Tickets
Reserved seating tickets are available in advance. General admission tickets will be available at the gate while supplies last.
For tickets, vendor registration, media registration, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information, visit: www.thetownofboley.org