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By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     At 8 years old, Irving Sasse attended the first Omak Stampede.
     Now, at 83, he’s missed only a few Stampedes since and is an honorary Stampede board member after 20 years of board service and many more years of volunteering.
     Throughout his childhood, Sasse said his father took him to rodeos and other events all over the area.
     When Stampede began, it was the biggest rodeo in the area, Sasse said. The first show was held on the Omak High School field, and dozens competed for top honors.
     The only years he missed were because of a job transfer Sasse took for a few years. He later moved back to Okanogan County.
     Aside from attending, Sasse said his family wasn’t active in Stampede activities until 1967 when his daughter, Eletha, started getting involved, hoping to be Stampede queen. She served as 1969 Miss Omak Stampede.
     Eletha was a barrel racer for more than a dozen years, Sasse said. His son, Douglas, was a steer wrestler for about 15 years. Son-in-law Steve Gariano also wrestled steers at Stampede.
     While their children competed in events, Sasse and his wife, Margaret, volunteered for many years, then spent 20 years on the board helping organize Stampede.
     Sasse said he felt their involvement played a part in making Stampede a success. Sasse performed multiple odd jobs and was in charge of the grand entry celebration, to “get everything started off right.”
     At the 60th Stampede, he said he remembered how hard it was to get 60 riders for the parade of flags, but now that number is about average. This year’s parade is set to include 75 riders in honor of Stampede’s 75th year.
     Margaret helped with royalty and Stampede programs, and whatever else was needed, Sasse said.
     One major project of which Sasse was a part was upgrading the electrical system at the Stampede grounds, he said.
     He installed the stadium-like lights in the arena, plus other lights throughout.
     Sasse said he also served on the executive board for many years. He served as treasurer until a couple years ago.
     About two years back, Sasse said he asked to be placed on the honorary (emeritus) board, saying he was not “in as good of shape as I once was.”
     The Sasses moved a year ago to be closer to their children near Auburn, where they can spend time with their five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
     Of their time spent with Stampede doings, Sasse said, “We enjoyed doing what we were doing. Hard work was No. 1. It’s still going and that’s what makes us happy.
     “We look back and think we did help to get Stampede to this point.”
     Sasse said several of his family members and he plan to attend the Stampede this year from Friday to Sunday, because they “wouldn’t miss it.”