Boulder Valley Pow Wow (Louisville, Colo.)

The Boulder Pow Wow began during an economic recession in 1936. It boosted the spirits of Boulder County residents for decades. Its history was marked by community service and three name changes. In 1936, A.A. "Gov" Paddock, editor of the Boulder Daily Camera, and other civic leaders saw the need to lift the community out of the doldrums that followed the Great Depression. The result of an organizational meeting was an institution known as the Pay Dirt Pow Wow.

Its original purpose was to unite the miners of the mountains with the farmers and ranchers on the high plains in a community festival around Colorado Day (Aug. 1) that would raise the spirits of all in the Boulder valley. The miners' rock- drilling contest became a highlight of the Pow Wow; it faded from the festival's program in the early 1950s. A riding and roping club staged rodeo-type exhibitions during the early Pow Wows in a pasture at what became 28th and Mapleton Sts.

The land for the Pow Wow was purchased from Boulder rancher Rollie Leonard. Erecting the bleachers was a major event each year. The Rollie Leonard Arena built there was acclaimed throughout the rodeo circuit as one of the best arenas for the sport. In 1939, a regional horse show and professional rodeo, sanctioned by the Rodeo Cowboys Association, were added to the Pow Wow Days celebration. Most of the champions of rodeo competed, and the horse show grew over the years.

The Pow Wow board of directors served the community by allowing the use of its grounds for circuses, bonfires and 4-H activities, and by donating land for baseball fields, a YMCA facility, and a site for the relocated Boulder train depot. Meanwhile, the city of Boulder grew around the Pow Wow; the pasture became the center of the city, and the Pow Wow was squeezed out of its home.

After numerous setbacks, the Boulder Pow Wow found a new home in Louisville, and adopted a new name: the Boulder Valley Pow Wow. The Pow Wow, a non-profit organization, was directed by a 12-member unsalaried board and assisted by many volunteers. {Source: Boulder Valley Pow Wow History, in the 1981 program}.

From the description of Boulder Pow Wow records 1963-1986 (bulk 1974-1984). (Boulder Public Library). WorldCat record id: 427283343