BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Rodeo season kicks off with the Eagle Rodeo beginning Wednesday and running through Saturday. Gates open each night at 5 p.m.
For the second time, the rodeo will take place at the Eagle Rodeo Grounds on West Equest Lane.
Kid events such as mutton busting, youth steer riding and junior barrels begin at 6 p.m. The main events start at 7:30 p.m.
“Watching the kid events is so fun. The determination these kids show, especially during mutton busting, is amazing. Those sheep are no joke,” said Kelly Hebert, one of the rodeo photographers. “The Eagle Rodeo is the perfect opportunity for beginners because no matter the situation, the crowd is always amazing and cheers like crazy for the kids.”
The Eagle Rodeo consists of all the main Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) events.
“Our contestant pool has expanded this year, and we expect to see some of the best bull riders in the country,” Eagle Rodeo President Tracy Baggerly said.
Rodeo attendees can look forward to seeing the Boise State football players working security again this year, as well as Barrelman Matt Tarr, a crowd favorite known to be hilarious and who does a great job interacting with crowds and kids.
An afterparty featuring DJ music, dancing, food and drinks will occur after the main rodeo events on Friday and Saturday night until 12:30 a.m. Athletes that are not hitting the road often stay and meet guests.
“Everyone gets down and dances their butts off and has a good time,” Baggerly said. “It is a great social environment.”
Food trucks will be available during rodeo hours from 5-10:30 p.m.; some will stay open during the afterparty.
“We have a lot of vendors,” Director Matt Woodington said. “Fly Food Truck, Coastal Oak BBQ, Peterson’s Lemonade, Slay the Snow, Jump Creek Jenny, Nana’s Hot Dogs, La Crepe, Boise Best Kettle Korn, Buffalo Grill, and about 15 more.”
The rodeo donated over $15,000 last year to various charities.
“We give a lot of money back to the community in different ways,” Baggerly said.
This year’s theme schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday: Retro Night
- Thursday: Military Appreciation Night
- Friday: ‘Tough Enough for Pink’ in support of breast cancer units
- Saturday: ‘Burn Out,’ to raise funds for first responders
“I started the Eagle Rodeo and have run it for 24 years,” Baggerly said. “The most exciting part for me is to see the final project. The directors and volunteers have done so much to prepare this. When everyone stands up and the national anthem is played that first night, I get goosebumps. It’s pretty awesome to see it happen again.”
Tickets are available at eaglerodeo.com and D&B stores, except for Saturday tickets, which will only be sold online. There is a limit of 4,500 guests per night. General admission tickets range from $20-$35, and children 6 under get in for free.
For the first time, VIP tickets will be sold to the public. These tickets, priced at $299, get guests into a section near the bucking chutes and have catered food by the Double R Ranch, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available.
Parking is limited this year, and attendees are encouraged to carpool and rideshare if possible.
More information is available online at eaglerodeo.com.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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