Shaunavon was a main trading area and a stopover point for the spring and fall cattle drives.  Cowboys were always trying to show off their skills and the towns folk were always looking for ways to keep peace in town a rodeo was started.    On July 1, 1914 we hosted our first rodeo.  It was a huge success and developed into a national event. The Shaunavon Rodeo Association celebrated 40 years of amateur and professional rodeo in July 1999.  The rodeo has been the most successful professional rodeo held on a Monday and Tuesday in Canada.  Cowboys from all over Canada and the USA consider Shaunavon Rodeo to be one of the best small town rodeos.  Competitors are the same ones who compete at the Calgary Stampede 10 days earlier.  The caliber is top notch.  The cowboys follow the circuit heading east to at least 6 other rodeos in Saskatchewan and Manitoba after the Shaunavon rodeo.  Sponsorship by local businesses and corporate sponsors such as Labatts for part of the prize money helps to make the rodeo a success.