RODEO HISTORY

In 1992, a group of IBEW Local 44 Lineman traveled to Kansas City, Missouri and attended the International Lineman's Rodeo. They came home to Montana with a dream of sending the top Montana Lineman to the International Rodeo. In 1993 their dream became a reality and the Montana Lineman's Rodeo Association was born. The first annual Montana Lineman's Rodeo was held at Holter Dam, just a short distance away from the Missouri River.

The Montana Lineman's Rodeo Association (MTLRA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to promote, finance, and facilitate the annual Montana Lineman's Rodeo. The purpose of MTLRA is to educate the public on electrical power line workers, safety, and to demonstrate the skills necessary to insure reliable electric power.

The MTLRA is funded solely by donations and sponsorships from industry partners, the public, and interested parties. All funds are used to conduct the annual Montana Lineman's Rodeo, and send the winning teams to the International Lineman's Rodeo Competition held in Overland Park, Kansas. Sponsors of the MTLRA include electric utilities, construction companies, unions, equipment vendors, community organizations, and public donations. Sponsors and donations are always welcome, and appreciated!

The MTLRA has a 31-year history in conducting the annual Rodeo, as well as educating the public about electrical safety. The Montana Lineman's Rodeo event is open to the public, without admission charges. The rodeo is held on the third Saturday in July, with pre-function activities occurring on Friday night before the event.