Lloyd and Jo Anne Schlader are Wild Weippe Rodeo Grand Marshals

By Alannah Allbrett

This year’s Wild Weippe Rodeo Grand Marshals, Lloyd and Jo Anne Schlader, interrupted their busy haying season to come talk with me at the Clearwater Tribune. Lloyd said, “It worked out just right because of the rain anyway.” When one farms, everything depends upon the weather. They graciously shared a little of the rodeo’s history and a bit of their own.

The Schladers have lived in Weippe pretty much all their lives. Both Lloyd and Jo Anne are natives – except for a small technicality; Lloyd said he was delivered at Clarkston, WA and brought home to Weippe. Jo Anne was actually born in Weippe, and the doctor came up from Orofino to deliver her as a baby. Talk about house calls!

Jo Anne said, “It’s nice to know everyone and have everyone know you.” They both graduated from Weippe High School and knew each other as children. The couple married in 1964, and has raised four children who all live within a day’s drive. The grandchildren number about 13.

Lloyd said the Wild Weippe Rodeo became incorporated in 1963, and land was purchased in 1964. A concession stand was built in 1969, and the loading chutes were relocated in 1970. In 1971 the rodeo held its first ever parade. Lloyd’s father, Andy was the very first Grand Marshal in that parade. In 1972 The Wild Weippe Rodeo became affiliated with the Idaho Cowboy Association.

Lloyd and Jo Anne raise cattle at their place. Lloyd also “worked in the woods” logging as well as ranching. Jo Anne drove a school bus for Timberline and Weippe Schools for 33 years. And, despite their hard work, the two have made time for the rodeo including having three daughters who were rodeo royalty. Lloyd served as President in 1964, 1983, and 1984. Jo Anne was Secretary in 1971 through 1974 and again from 1994 to the present.

When asked if they had any pictures of the two of them together at the rodeo, the answer was, “No.” “I was usually busy at one end, and he was busy at the other end,” said Jo Anne. “And never the two shall meet” she laughed. There is always lots of work to be done to put on the rodeo. When they do get a chance to get away, they enjoy camping in Idaho’s beautiful mountains.

Rodeo schedule

This year’s rodeo is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 and 21. Show times begin at 2 p.m. The parade will be at 12 noon Saturday on Main Street. There will be a dance Saturday, 8 p.m. to 12 midnight with Coltrain at the Weippe Community Hall. The popular cowboy breakfast will be Sunday at the rodeo grounds, 7 to 11 a.m.

The EhCapa Bareback riders from Boise will be performing at the rodeo, something you’ll be sure to enjoy. The 2011 Rodeo Queen is Myrissa Wolfe. Everyone’s favorite rodeo clown, Eddie White, will be there too. Hal Olson will be the announcer. Jo Anne and Lloyd invite everyone to come enjoy the weekend festivities at the Wild Weippe Rodeo.