Dayton Rodeo Grand Marshall

Honoring Paul Erickson as the 2025 Dayton Rodeo Grand Marshall

The Dayton Rodeo Celebration Committee is proud to announce Paul Erickson as the 2025 Dayton Rodeo Grand Marshall. Paul's decades of dedicated service to both the rodeo and the Dayton community made this an easy and well-deserved choice.

Working behind the scenes, Paul plays a vital role in keeping the rodeo running smoothly. For the PRCA rodeo, Paul collaborates closely with both the Committee and the PRCA production staff to ensure that everyone is informed, prepared, and ready—helping our rodeo operate with the precision and efficiency it’s known for.

As a long-time volunteer and steadfast supporter of the Dayton Rodeo, we are honored to recognize Paul for his invaluable contributions. We thank him for his many years of service and look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come.

Words from Paul:

I want to sincerely thank the Dayton Rodeo Celebration Committee for honoring me as the 2025 Parade Marshall.

My connection to the rodeo began when I was 4 years old. Back when the rodeo was held on the top of the hill, my family attended every year. My parents and sisters sat in the front row of the bleachers, while I watched from the ground beside the woven wire fence. At age nine, I began selling popcorn for our 4-H club, and when my dad joined the Wranglers in the 1960s, I helped him with tasks like setting up barrels and constructing the temporary fence used for bull riding.

After high school, I spent 12 years away from Dayton. When we returned, I joined the Wranglers and took on various roles during the rodeo—from working at the east end of the arena to assisting Marlan Bloomquist, our rodeo organist, in the crow’s nest. Back then, all the music was performed live, before recorded tracks and sound systems became the norm. I also sang for the Serpentine Riders when they were first organized.

I had the privilege of working alongside Leonard Anderson, our longtime rodeo committee president, as he developed and communicated the Production Schedule. This schedule outlines the introduction of sponsor flags, queens, officials, and the order of events for each rodeo performance.

For over 20 years, I’ve helped write, organize, and present the Empty Saddle Tribute, create and communicate the Production Schedule, and supported many other aspects of the rodeo. Since 2018, I’ve also had the honor of organizing our veteran recognition segment.

Throughout the decades, I’ve worked with many Celebration Committee presidents, Wrangler leaders, committee members, and professional contractors. I deeply appreciate their dedication and support in making our rodeo what it is today.

Our family includes my wife, Nora and our 3 daughters, Jessica, Emily and Marta.