The History of the Rodeo
The Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo originated as a PRCA rodeo in 1975 under the direction of rodeo committee members Ron McCoy, Mel Boultinghouse, Cal Christensen, Vern Eaton, Wayne Gossett, Bill Merz, George Moore, Les Nelson, and Jan Searing. The rodeo was originally called The Cowlitz County Fair & Rodeo, but after Mount Saint Helens spewed its fire and thunder upon this area in 1980, committeeman George Moore suggested in 1981 that the rodeo’s name be changed to The Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo.
Since 1981, the rodeo has been known by this memorable name, which though was derived from a volcanic eruption, it also aptly denotes the thundering hooves and energy, which this rodeo brings to town.
When the rodeo began in 1975 we used a borrowed, portable arena that was erected just before the Cowlitz County Fair opened, and had to dismantle it after the fair ended. In 1979, we established a permanent arena. Although this arena was a vast improvement over a portable arena, we now have a state of the art arena, which we are proud to state was entirely constructed by committee members. Cowlitz County Fair Grounds 1970's Our present committee is comprised of 12 committee members, whereas we had 8 committee members when the rodeo originated.
Christensen Brothers was our original stock contractor. Gold Buckle Rodeo Company is our present stock contractor. We began with $300.00 per added event, and now we add $3,000.00 per event, including barrel racing. Since this rodeo’s origination we have consistently drawn top cowboy and cowgirl contestants to the competition. The Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo committee believes that the keys to success in having a great rodeo consist of having excellent stock, quality contestants, talented bullfighters, funny clowns, and exciting half-time entertainment. Each year we strive to make the rodeo the most successful rodeo competition we can bring to the Lower Columbia region. We hope that you have the opportunity to experience the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo!
Longview, WA 98632
The Town House Motel is a family owned business and is Longview’s friendliest motel. It is located in the heart of Longview.
This motel has been a proud member of AAA for over 20 years.
The motel features 28 rooms which includes smoking and non smoking rooms with micro fridge, in-room coffee machine, free local phone calls, cable TV with HBO, free hi-speed internet, wi-fi, hair dryer, and iron/ironing board.
It’s close proximity to some of the state’s well know attractions such as Mt. St Helens, Seaside, Long Beach and the Cowlitz river (boating and fishing) makes this motel an attractive and convenient place to stay.
Within walking distance to many eateries and minutes away from the Triangle Shopping Center, The Columbia Theatre, Lake Sacajawea and more!
The Unique Tin car show and Cruise has become one of the premier car shows in the northwest. We are the second or third largest event in Cowlitz County and bring 500 or more classic and performance cars to the area every August. We provide a fun and profitable show for the local economy, give support to local charities and businesses, and manage to enjoy doing it. We hope to continue for years to come.
When: August 26th, 2023
Location: Cowlitz County Event Center
1900 7th Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
Vandercook Park Trail is a 0.25-mile loop around quaint Vandercook Park nestled in the center of Longview’s historic Old West Side neighborhood. This is a great place to get your steps in under a shady canopy of trees while the kids can play on the playground without leaving your sight or see our active local tennis and pickle ball players in action.
Vernie’s Pizza
Willow Grove Gardens and Pumpkin Patch
Longview, Washington
Yans