Metcalfs named Grand Marshals for 77th TSR Parade

FORT MADISON - The Tri-State Rodeo committee is excited to announce this year’s Grand Marshals for the 77th Annual Tri-State Rodeo Parade: Jeff and Kelli Metcalf.
Jeff and Kelli Metcalf of Fort Madison, Iowa, are proud to serve as the 2025 Tri-State Rodeo Parade Grand Marshals, honoring a lifetime dedicated to family, community, and the western way of life.
Together, Jeff and Kelli have built a legacy rooted in faith, hard work, and a deep love for the horse and rodeo industries. Married for 45 years, they are the proud parents of three daughters—Kimber Dall, Keegan Swan, and Kelsey Metcalf—and grandparents to seven active, rodeo and sports loving grandchildren.

Jeff brings more than 50 years of experience in the horse world, respected across the region as a judge for open shows, stock horse events, and 4-H competitions. Raised in northeast Missouri and immersed in the world of Quarter Horses from an early age, Jeff has always been passionate about youth development and equestrian excellence. He spent 45 years working for the Santa Fe and BNSF Railway, retiring in 2021. Alongside his professional career, Jeff has served as Fort Madison Saddle Club President, member of the Tri-State Rodeo Committee, Vice President and Barrel & Pole Director for the Iowa High School Rodeo Association and helped lead his youngest daughter to multiple qualifications for the National High School Finals Rodeo. He also founded and led a cowboy ministry within high school rodeo, continuing his lifelong service to both youth and faith. Jeff frequently fills pulpits at local congregations and was named as Fort Madison Citizen of the Year in 2016. In 2024, he was honored with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fort Madison Saddle Club.
Kelli spent 29 years with Hy-Vee Food Stores before retiring to what she calls “Plan B”—a full schedule of supporting her grandchildren at junior rodeos, ballgames, part time daycare, and traveling to her favorite destination: the beach. A lifelong horsewoman, Kelli raised, trained, and showed American Quarter Horses and was actively involved with the Fort Madison Saddle Club, Iowa Stock Horse Association, and Illinois State Stock Horse Association. Kelli & Jeff together chaired the Pee Wee Barrel Race at the Tri-State Rodeo for 25 years. As her daughters became active in rodeo, she joined the Fort Madison High School Rodeo Committee and helped host the Iowa State Finals Rodeo for many years. Since her daughter was crowned Miss Rodeo Iowa in 2003, Kelli has been deeply involved in the Miss Rodeo Iowa organization and served on the board of Directors of Miss Rodeo Iowa for about 16 years.
Today, Jeff and Kelli continue to travel the Midwest, cheering on their grandchildren in their many activities. Their enduring commitment to rodeo, youth, and community is a shining example of the Tri-State Rodeo spirit.
The Rodeo Parade will take place on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, starting at 9:30 am on 23rd and Avenue G and will continue along Avenue G to 4th Street. Entry forms can be found online at www.tristaterodeo.org/entry-parade. The theme this year is “Lucky 7s”. Please contact David Fedler with any questions at 319-470-1261.