The first Fortuna Rodeo was held on August 27 and 28, 1921, in the newly created Rohner Park under the sponsorship of the Humboldt County Stockman’s Association. At that time it was a pro-am event and featured Jesse Stahl, Clay Carr, Sonny Tureman, Ty Stokes, and local cowboy Clarence Bugenig. In 1930, the Fortuna Businessmen’s Association assumed sponsorship after the Stockmen withdrew because of the Great Depression, but hard times still forced cancellation in 1934 and 1935. The event was cancelled again between 1942 and 1945 because of World War 2, although the Women’s Ambulance and Defense Corp organized a one-day rodeo in 1942 to raise money to purchase an ambulance. In 1940, the project christened the Fortuna Stadium began with a $40,000 Work Projects Administration grant, plus $9,000 from the City of Fortuna and $3,000 from the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, to build this 3,500-seat grandstand and other facilities on the grounds. Originally dedicated on September 29, 1940, the grandstand commands a view of the rodeo arena and the redwood-covered hills in the background, and the first rodeo at this location was held in 1941. In 1955, the rodeo became strictly amateur, and the grandstand was rebuilt several times between 1967 and 2021. The Work Projects Administration, signed into law on May 8, 1935, was an ambitious employment and infrastructure program, and these grandstands exemplify its success and the ongoing support of the Fortuna community.