For more than 50 years, Dale has been a cornerstone of our fair, our rodeo, and our agricultural community. His involvement doesn’t just span decades — it spans generations. Dale showed dairy cattle and pigs himself, his children showed steers, pigs, and sheep, his grandchildren showed and today his great-grandchildren continue that tradition right here at the Klickitat County Fair. Few people can say they’ve shaped the fair experience for four generations of families — Dale can.
Dale has always been a steadfast supporter of 4-H and FFA, not just in words, but through consistent action. For many years, he sponsored the Reserve Champion Hog, and together with his children, he continues to honor his late wife through the Bernice Thiele Memorial Hog — a gesture that reflects both his love for family and his dedication to youth in agriculture.
Year after year, Dale has gone above and beyond at the market stock sale, purchasing animals and investing directly in the kids who work so hard all season. He has never done this for recognition — only because he believes in supporting the next generation.
Long before organized events and series, in the 1970s, Dale opened his personal arena with an open-door policy, welcoming anyone of any age to come practice, learn, and experience team roping. He also hosted a team roping series at his arena, giving countless local competitors their first opportunity to rope in a supportive environment. This generosity helped shape many of the ropers who still compete in Klickitat County today.
Beyond the livestock barns, Dale has been deeply involved in the junior rodeo that was once held during the fair, helping young competitors gain confidence, skills, and a love for rodeo. In the 90s, Dale also organized a team roping series at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds, creating a local opportunity for competitors to rope close to home and strengthening the rodeo community even further.
Dale has been part of the county team roping since its very beginning, and when Marguerite stepped down, Dale stepped up to take on leadership to keep it going. In addition to his leadership, Dale also supplies the cattle for the county team roping — another behind-the-scenes contribution that has been essential to its success. He has also competed in the county penning and branding from the start, winning something almost every year — and today, he proudly holds the title of being the oldest roper still competing in the branding events.
In addition to his many leadership roles, Dale himself competed for many years in the Klickitat County NPRA Rodeo, proudly representing his community in the arena.
Dale’s dedication to agriculture extends to the fields as well. He has been a longtime participant in the Hay and Grain King, winning Hay King multiple times and Grain King once. And in true Dale fashion, he often chose not to bring his hay home — instead donating it to someone in need. He later came up with the idea to auction the hay and donate the proceeds, multiplying the good it could do for others.
Dale is also a strong supporter of the Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo Queen, a longtime fair sponsor, and has proudly displayed his support with a sign in the arena for many years. Outside of the fairgrounds, he is a dedicated supporter of the American Legion and our local veterans, and he is currently working to place a large American flag at the Klickitat County Courthouse, further showing his commitment to community and country.
Among his many honors, Dale was named Klickitat County Cattleman of the Year in 1986 and Outstanding Young Farmer in 1970, along with numerous other achievements throughout his life.
What truly sets Dale Thiele apart is not just what he’s done — it’s who he is. He is humble, kind, generous, and deeply rooted in the community. He has supported the fair, the rodeo, and our youth for decades without ever asking for recognition.
The role of Grand Marshal is meant to honor someone who represents the very heart of our fair and rodeo. Dale Thiele has lived that role for over 50 years.