THE WHEELUS RODEO.
The Wheelus Air Force Rodeo, Video Courtesy of Allan Lindsay
Programme for 1957 Wheelus Rodeo, held at Busetta Race Track.
Photo of Programme Courtesy of Victoria Giraud
The first ever rodeo at Wheelus Air Base took place in December 1957 and brought a part of the Wild West to Tripoli. The rodeo, which was organized by the crew and personnel of the 17th Air Force was so successful with regards to entertainment and community relations, that their commanding officer ordered the Wheelus Rodeo be made a yearly event. Crowds of over 30,000 Libyans and base personnel watched the displays and the event netted a grand total of over $10,000,00, which was donated by the base to various Libyan charities1.
Two particularly impressive exhibitions were undertaken by the Libyan Royal Mounted Police and by The Riding Sheiks, the latter being a group of very talented Arab horsemen. Other performances included Bronco and Wild Bull Riding. Barrel and Buckboard Racing, and a mock western gunfight.
The Wheelus Rodeo continued until the closure of the base, and became a bi annual event, with other squadrons taking part in the exhibitions and the addition of the Rodeo Parade, which was held at the beginning of the Rodeo and consisted of the men, women and children of Wheelus Air Base 2.
FOOTNOTES.
To, F. H. (1958, April 8). Rodeo for Libya bucks up airmen; Middle East and Wild West meet at Big Wheelus Base as fliers whoop it up. The New York Times. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/1958/04/08/archives/rodeo-for-libya-bucks-up-airmen-middle-east-and-wild-west-meet-at.html.
Ibid.