The Hailey rodeo, celebrating its 78th year, has been a central summer tradition in the Wood River Valley since its inception in 1948, but rodeo culture in the area dates back even earlier. Sun Valley Resort, opened in 1937, quickly embraced summer activities alongside its winter ski operations, with rodeos becoming a key attraction. Union Pacific Railroad, under Averell Harriman’s leadership, invested heavily in developing Sun Valley as a year-round destination, building extensive facilities including an 11,000-seat rodeo stadium. The rodeo featured diverse events and drew large crowds, becoming one of the resort’s most popular summer entertainments, alongside other activities like fishing, horseback riding, and skeet shooting.

Sun Valley’s rodeo grounds were considered among the most modern in the West, hosting elaborate events such as bronc riding, calf roping, and trick riding, often set against the scenic Sawtooth Mountains. The resort’s summer offerings expanded to include tennis courts, ice skating, golf, and wilderness expeditions, making it a comprehensive recreational destination. Despite its popularity and cultural significance, the rodeo eventually faced decline, a story that continues in subsequent installments. The article highlights the deep historical roots and broad appeal of rodeo and summer sports in shaping the identity and tourism of Sun Valley and the Wood River Valley.