The thunder of hooves, the pride of heritage and the joy of a united community will soon come together in spectacular fashion as Okmulgee prepares to host the 70th Annual Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo Aug. 8-9 at the historic Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena. Marking seven decades of history, grit and glory, this milestone event is more than a rodeo – it’s a living legacy and a cultural homecoming.

Widely recognized as the longest continuously running Black rodeo in the United States, the Roy LeBlanc Rodeo has become a crown jewel in both Oklahoma’s and America’s rich rodeo tradition. Generations of families, athletes and fans converge on Okmulgee each August to celebrate not only sport, but identity, resilience and heritage.

And this year, as the event turns 70, organizers are pulling out all the stops.

Born out of adversity in 1956, the Roy LeBlanc Rodeo was established when Roy LeBlanc and approximately 22 other Black cowboys founded the Okmulgee County Roundup Club in response to racial exclusion from whiterun rodeos. Denied the chance to ride in main events – or even sit outside the “Colored Section” – these pioneers took matters into their own hands.

“They weren’t allowed to ride in the white rodeo back then,” shared Kenneth LeBlanc, Roy’s son and current coordinator. “So, they started their own roundup club. My grandfather and father kept it going, and now it’s our turn to preserve it for the future.”

What started as a local stand for inclusion has evolved into a nationally respected rodeo, drawing more than 300 competitors annually from across the country, including Texas, Arkansas, California and the East Coast.

— Cowboys, Culture & Competition The Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena will once again ring with the rhythm of freedom and the energy of competition. Events include bull riding, ladies’ steer undecorating, calf roping and the wildly popular Pony Express relay race, where eight-rider teams pass a baton mid-gallop around barrels in a stunning display of precision and power.

— The Parade Returns Bigger Than Ever The Rodeo Parade has long been a symbol of unity and celebration, and this year’s installment promises to be one for the books. Set for Saturday, at 4 p.m., the parade will wind through downtown Okmulgee, offering a colorful cavalcade of marching bands, horseback riders, community floats and dance troupes. This year’s parade will also serve as a grand finale to the nearby 5th Street Gathering, which celebrates its fifth year with the theme “One Heart, One Community.”

Organizers of the 5th Street Gathering promise an all-day celebration of culture and connection, from praise music to food trucks, the Robert Rentie Car Show and live performances by drill teams, steppers and youth groups. The gathering begins at 10 a.m. at 421 E. 5th Street and builds up to the parade’s triumphant climax.

— A Family Affair Generation to Generation

For many, the Roy LeBlanc Rodeo is more than just an event – it’s a homecoming. Families travel from across the nation to reconnect, celebrate their roots and share stories from the stands.

Children also take center stage in events like mutton busting, barrel racing and breakaway roping. These junior competitions not only thrill the crowd but pass on the rodeo spirit to the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.

— Honoring Legends: The Clarence LeBlanc Bulldogging Jackpot This year marks the 26th Annual Clarence LeBlanc Bulldogging Jackpot, a tribute to one of the rodeo’s fiercest early competitors. Set for Saturday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., the event will be held at 17250 Sharp Road in Okmulgee and features a division for competitors 19 and under.

It’s not just a competition – it’s a tribute to a legacy, a family and the enduring influence of Clarence LeBlanc, whose name still commands respect in rodeo circles across the country.

— Safety, Respect & Community Spirit

As the excitement builds, organizers are reminding all attendees to prepare accordingly:

• Stadium bags are strongly recommended for both nights at the arena.

• The Roy LeBlanc Rodeo is held on Muscogee Nation sovereign land, and all tribal laws, rules and practices will be enforced.

• Lighthorse Tribal Police will be on-site throughout the weekend. Their jurisdiction applies fully within tribal boundaries.

• No alcohol or firearms are permitted on the premises. Violations will be handled swiftly and seriously.

“The rodeo is about unity, legacy and joy. Let’s protect that spirit by showing respect for one another and the land we’re on.”

— More Than a Rodeo A Cultural Crossroads Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the arena. Okmulgee’s downtown district, the Creek Council House Museum and Dripping Springs Lake offer opportunities to relax, learn and enjoy the beauty of the region.

This intersection of Black cowboy tradition and Native American heritage is what makes Okmulgee such a powerful host for this event – a city rooted in both struggle and celebration.

As Invitational Rodeo gallops into its 70th year, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a look back it’s a leap forward. With younger riders joining the ranks, new spectators discovering the magic and the community stronger than ever, the future of Black rodeo lives in every hoofbeat and holler.

So grab your boots, your best hat and your loudest cheer.

We’ll see you under the lights at the Bob Arrington Rodeo Arena this Friday and Saturday.

Come for the action. Stay for the tradition. Leave as part of the story.

For updates and more, follow the Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo on Facebook or reach out to event organizers.