Mississippi's first rodeo was held here September 24-26, 1935. It was sponsored by two local businessmen, rancher Samuel Hickman of the B Bar H Ranch and George Baylis, owner of the Baylis Drug Store. Several notable cowboys were involved, including Earl Bascom, later recognized as the "Father of Modern Rodeo." Held at the Columbia High School baseball field, it is recognized as the nation's first outdoor rodeo to be held at night under electric lights.