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Posted by: Anna Holden -- (Apr 21, 2011 )

Let’s RODEO!!!

Seven action-packed rodeos occur in North Central Idaho from May to September.  There's a ‘rodeo season’ and Idaho’s first-of-the-season rodeo takes place in our region: the Riggins Rodeo - located in the beautiful Salmon River canyon. From there, travel north to White Bird for their hometown rodeo over Fathers Day Weekend, then to the Clearwater for Kamiah’s June event. Over the 4^th of July, two rodeos take place:  Grangeville’s Border Days & the Winchester Rode.  Scoot over to Weippe in August and the grand finale – the Lewiston Roundup - in early September.

Royalty, Grand Marshalls, horses, clowns, bulls, steer-riding action, contestants, fans, stock contractors and more are all are part of the mix for any local rodeo.  However the common thread woven through each rodeo is what Winchester describes as the old-fashioned ‘hang on the fence’ type of experience that brings families, fans and contestants together for authentic western fun.  Rodeos celebrate the western way of life and help to continue the ranching legacy so prevalent in the rural communities of north central Idaho.  Rodeo action also includes the exciting bull-riding events, but also barrel-racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, Bareback Riding, saddle bronc riding, and team roping.

If you’ve never been to a rodeo, just pull up to the ticket area and pay up!  Good news is that rodeo tickets are affordable - $7 and up for adults, and deep discounts for kids.  Rodeo folks are friendly and love to have out-of-towners come and experience their type of western fun.

Celebrating 100 years – 2011 Border Days, Grangeville, Idaho

This particular rodeo is Idaho’s oldest rodeo, which was held in 1912 and has continued as a main attraction during the 4^th of July holiday (July 2 – 4). Grangeville is the county seat for Idaho County and is proud of this history and its heritage.

As county seat of Idaho County, Grangeville is proud of its interesting history and heritage. Part of that heritage is BORDER DAYS, Idaho’s oldest rodeo! The first rodeo was held in 1912 and it has remained until today as a main attraction during the 4th of July holiday. Join us. The entire community invites you to experience the western spirit of Idaho USA at this special 100^th rodeo celebration!

Excellent lodging and camping facilities can be found in town, and in the surrounding areas. Super friendly folks in the Arena ground, at the historic parade and in the many restaurants and shops are ready to welcome visitors and make it a very special activity.

Rodeos by month:

May:

63rd Annual Riggins Rodeo - May 7 & 8 http://www.rigginsrodeo.com/

June:

22^nd Annual White Bird ‘Let ‘er Rip’ Rodeo – June 17 & 18  http://www.whitebirdrodeo.com

Kamiah – June 25 & 26 - http://www.kamiahchamber.com/events.htm

July:

100th Annual Border Days Rodeo, Grangeville – July 2 - 4  http://www.grangevilleborderdays.org/

Winchester ‘Hang On the Fence’ Rodeo – July 3 & 4 http://www.craigmontareachamber.com/calendar_of_events.htm

August:

Wild Weippe Rodeo, August 20 & 21,  http://www.pierce-weippechamber.com/calendar.html

September:

Lewiston Roundup ‘She’s Wild’ Rodeo – September 8 – 11, http://www.lewistonroundup.org/

Rodeo Glossary

Rodeos have their own lingo, and sometime event programs will have a section devoted to rodeo glossary.  One key component of any rodeo are the ‘pick-up men’ – usually two riders who wait patiently next to the fence until time to dart in beside a bucking horse or draw ropes to escort a foul-tempered bull from the arena.  Operating quietly, quickly, and efficiently, they slip in and out of the arena during the rough stock events, letting attention focus on the riders and animal athletes featured in the competition.

A pick up man’s job is not for the weak or faint of heart. It requires and physical stamina by the riders and their mounts. In fact, covering several sections of 8-12 bucking horses and bulls requires four to six horse changes at a typical rodeo. The pick up men themselves have to bring the horses and their gear and one or more helpers.

“From outside it looks easy. Just run in there and get the guy and take the horse out. But it’s definitely an adrenaline rush,” says Brett Zollinger, a rancher who works rodeos from high school to the PRCA level and was selected as one of the two pick-up men for the ICA (Idaho Cowboy Association) 2010 rodeo finals. Zollinger remarks “I don’t think there’s anyone who does it for the money. You hope it covers your expenses. I guess it’s rewarding. And I enjoy it. When you do these big rodeos it turns into a family event by the time you get all the horses ready and someone has them at the gate and someone is out there getting the others cooled out. That’s a fun part of it.”

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Craigmont-Winchester Chamber of Commerce  |  Elk River RAC  |  Grangeville Chamber of Commerce  |  Hells Canyon Visitor Bureau  |  Kamiah Chamber of Commerce  |  Kendrick-Juliaetta CDA  |  Kooskia Chamber of Commerce  |  Moscow, Idaho Chamber of Commerce  |  Orofino Chamber of Commerce  |  Pierce-Weippe Chamber of Commerce  |  Salmon River Chamber of Commerce  |  White Bird Chamber of Commerce  |  
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