Roughrider Commission

About Us

The Dickinson Roughrider Commission is a committee that organizes a yearly event which consists of a carnival, PRCA Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Concert, and Fireworks display on July 4th!

he Roughrider Commission (RRC) was founded in April 1970 and began as a committee of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber). The new committee was given the responsibility of organizing a citywide Independence Day Celebration. The group began its humble beginning working tirelessly to organize the first three-day event including rodeo performances, parade and demolition derby. The celebration was a hit as rodeo fans were entertained by some of the best cowboys and cowgirls at the PRCA Rodeo performances. Clowns, bands, floats and more wound their way throughout the city putting smiles on everyone’s face! The demolition derby was a hit, as well. With engines roaring and the sound of cars smashing the demolition derby was definitely a crowd pleaser, too!

With $20,000 of debt from the first celebration, but a vision for the future, the committee forged on and became a nonprofit corporation in December of that same year.

The celebration continued to grow each year and by late 1970 it had grown into a four-day event. By the late 1990’s the once humble three-day event had become a week-long celebration with over 10,000 visitors annually and having a tremendous economic impact on the area, as well.

On March 18, 2002, the Roughrider Commission agreed to work cooperatively with the Stark County Fair Association to transform the festival into a county fair.