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The Mobile Levi’s Puppet Rodeo Show

The 13th episode of Levi’s ‘From the Archives series is focussed on the brand’s famous Puppet Rodeo & Miniature 501 Jeans. The historian of the brand, Tracey Panek, shares how Levi’s joined the San Francisco World Fair in 1939 with their Puppet Rodeo. This mini rodeo event became a huge success for more than 10 years.

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

How Levi’s Brought These Shows To Big Cities And Villages

The Puppet Rodeo featured hand-carved wooden puppets modeled after popular rodeo stars of the day dressed in miniature original Levi’s 501 jeans. For more than a decade, the Puppet Rodeo went on the road bringing family-friendly entertainment to big cities, small towns, and schools all over the West and beyond.

Each show took approx 15 minutes, and each puppet represented a rodeo star from that period. After the World Fair, the Levi’s Puppet Rodeo went on the road in a specially built truck to visit cities and villages. The show was happening in the truck and was advertised in advance so people did know where to gather together to watch it. It was a family show, so everybody was coming to watch, mam, dad and the kids.

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

levi's 501

Watch The Episode

Learn everything about Levi’s Puppet Rodeo, and see the smallest pair of 501s.

www.levis.com

Written by Wouter Munnichs
I'm the founder of Long John. Next to running this daily magazine, I'm working as a freelance denim specialist for the industry. Titled as 'Denim Influencer 2020' by Rivet 50. Celebrated my 10th anniversary with Long John in 2021.