Halstead Will Be Clowning Around At 2021 Wild Horse Stampede

Dennis Halstead, rodeo clown/ barrelman, looks forward to another appearance at the 2021 Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede.

“I’ve been there three or four times,” Halstead said. “It’s a really unique rodeo. I enjoy the wild horse races. I love Montana rodeos.”

His schedule in Big Sky Country this year includes rodeos in Livingston, Helena and Sidney along with the Wold Point Stampede.

Halstead’s achievements have included being the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association Entertainer of the Year for nine years and Canadian Finals Rodeo Clown/Barrelman of the year twice.

His start in the profession came when Calgary’s fire department was holding a fundraising rodeo and suddenly needed a rodeo clown. Halstead, who was a firefighter in Calgary, explained, “They needed a rodeo clown, and I did it,” he said. That beginning turned into a great career for the Canadian native.

“I’m allergic to work, so this is for me,” Halstead laughed. “I just enjoy entertaining. I’ve never have been in this for the money. Our rodeo family is a great one.”

His experiences include the Calgary Stampede and rodeos in Sydney, Australia.

“When I step into the arena, I put as much into your show as any rodeo in the world,” Halstead said.

He’s thankful that he can return to Wolf Point after a year away due to COVID restrictions. The barrelman at the Wolf Point Stampede is sponsored by Fort Peck Community College, Cape Air, Macon Construction and Bridges Construction.

“I really missed my rodeo family and friends. It was really hard on all of us, that’s for sure,” he said of last year’s schedule.

Halstead was scheduled to be in Wolf Point for Stampede last year but, with the border closure due to COVID-19, was unable to appear.