Merchant cow milking is a rodeo event unique to the Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic and Rodeo, held every June in Bickleton.
June 4, 2024
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June 6, 2024 1:30 a.m.
‘A step back in time’
Washington’s oldest rodeo is June 7-9
BICKLETON — Out in the wheat country of eastern Klickitat County, time sort of stands still. The little town of Bickleton, population 92 at the last census, is home to a couple of Washington’s most time-honored institutions. The Bluebird Inn, established in 1887, has a good claim to be Washington’s oldest tavern. The Herschel-Spillman carousel at the Bickleton Carousel Museum is one of fewer than 10 still operating. And the Alder Creek Pioneer Association is host every June to the state’s oldest rodeo.