The Kentucky Derby is coming up this weekend. All eyes will be on the Bluegrass State, but did you know that Romeo had its own horse shows? Yes, there was Fearnaught Park (also known as the fairgrounds) as detailed in the "People, Places & Things: Our Past" column by the Romeo Historical Society in the May 1-7 issue of The Record, yet there was also the annual horse show hosted by the Romeo Rotary Club at the Romeo Golf and Country Club on 32 Mile Road.
The Romeo Rotary Horse Show began in 1959 to raise money for charitable causes. In 1962, when the club held its 4th annual equine program on the Fourth of July, over 250 contestants competed in a variety of events. These included Flag, Bending, Pick-Up, and Bale Races; English Equitation; Western and English Pleasure; Musical Stalls; Musical Chairs; Cloverleaf; Bare-back Jumping; Pony Express; and Speed and Action. The Romeo Observer took this picture from that show to use on the front page of its June 28, 1962 issue. It displays a horse demonstrating horsemanship by jumping over a fence to let readers know what they're in for if they attend. Unfortunately, the rider and equine have not been identified.
One of the main attractions of this horse show was an inter-club contest between the 4-H saddle clubs from Macomb, Lapeer, St. Clair, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Their events included Fitting and Showing as well as Horsemanship. The 4-H club members were also allowed to participate in the regular contests.
Although the Romeo Rotary Club no longer puts on the annual horse shows these days, Macomb County has a 4-H Horse Program Committee through Michigan State University Extension, and they host the Michigan State 4-H Horse Shows every year. Who knows if that program is the spiritual successor to the Romeo Rotary Club one.
Regardless, we hope you have a wonderful time watching horses demonstrate their skills this weekend!
To learn more about the Romeo Rotary Horse Show and past horse-related events in the village, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Source: The Record, May 1-7, 2024, p.3 and p.5 and The Romeo Observer Press, June 28, 1962, p.A-1