WASHINGTON TWP — For one week each year, tiny Washington Township becomes a very busy place as thousands of fans flock to the annual North Washington Rodeo.

Between Tuesday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 16, hundreds of professional rodeo competitors are competing in the traditional eight rodeo events of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, breakaway roping, cowgirl barrel racing and bull riding.

Rodeos have become a popular attraction across Pennsylvania with events in Tionesta, Fredonia, Centre Hall and even Philadelphia’s “8 Seconds Rodeo,” among others, dotting the calendar in 2025. But according to organizer Dave Hazlet III, the North Washington Rodeo was in a league of its own when it began 65 years ago.

“Rodeos in general have changed

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