Steve Zollman’s connection to Chief Joseph Days runs deep, shaped by a lifetime of involvement, leadership, and commitment to the rodeo and the community it represents.

The son of a former Chief Joseph Days volunteer and the 1994 Grand Marshal, Steve began helping at the rodeo as a young boy. He recalls a time when the grounds looked much different—wooden grandstands, a larger Indian Encampment, and a small but dedicated group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the event together each year. Like many of that generation, those early years were built on donated time, equipment, and a shared belief in what Chief Joseph Days could be.

After returning from college, Steve stepped into a leadership role as parade chairman. In those early days, the Grand Parade was organized on the fly, with participants lining up along Main Street and little structure beyond a commitment to keep things moving. One year, determined to keep the parade from stalling, Steve stationed kids with squirt guns along the route to encourage participants to keep moving—a story that’s still remembered today.

As his involvement grew, Steve went on to serve as rodeo chairman, where he played a role in elevating the overall production of Chief Joseph Days. During that time, he helped bring in legendary announcer Bob Tallman, contributing to the professional caliber of the rodeo and its continued growth.

Steve also helped establish traditions that remain a cornerstone of Chief Joseph Days. He was instrumental in launching the Cowboy Breakfast, which quickly became a community favorite, and helped create the volunteer steak feed—an opportunity to recognize the many people who work behind the scenes to make the rodeo possible.

One of Steve’s lasting contributions came through his efforts to acquire land west of the arena, securing property that remains part of the rodeo grounds today. That acquisition led to another idea—transforming an old shop building into a gathering space. With the help of local volunteers, the building was cleaned out, a stage was built, and a makeshift bar was created. What started as a simple project soon became one of the most recognizable parts of Chief Joseph Days.

The name came from a conversation about the sound and energy of a packed room—“like thunder in the room.” And with that, the Thunder Room was born.

From the parade route to the arena and beyond, Steve Zollman’s influence can be seen throughout Chief Joseph Days. His dedication, along with the many volunteers he worked alongside, helped shape the event into what it is today.

As Chief Joseph Days celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is fitting to recognize someone whose impact spans generations.