(Idaho Falls, ID) – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) has announced that the Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo – the War Bonnet Round Up is the recipient of the 2019 “Justin Best Footing Award,” recognizing the rodeo committee that has gone “above and beyond” to ensure safe ground for the animal athletes of rodeo.

“We are extremely proud of the staff and board of Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo – the War Bonnet Round Up for their dedication to providing the absolute best experience possible not only for the fans and attendees, but for our rodeo athletes and the animal athletes,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “The time and effort our staff spent preparing that ground was just above-and-beyond and it really made a difference in the quality of the experience for all involved. I really love that our team cares about the animal athletes as much as they do.”

According to the news release from the WPRA, the “Justin Best Footing Awards® program was created when Tom Feller, director of event marketing for Justin Brands, approached the WPRA about partnering on a program that would focus on the health and well-being of the animal athlete.” 

The award began in the 1990’s and “each year the WPRA membership recognizes the top three rodeo committees in all 12 circuits as well as the most improved ground committee in each circuit, which puts forth the extra effort to ensure their rodeo has the safest most consistent ground possible…”

Each year the WPRA and Justin Brands recognize the top three rodeo committees in each of the 12 rodeo circuits who put forth the effort to ensure their rodeo has the safest and most consistent grounds possible.  Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo – the War Bonnet Round Up was recognized with the first place prize in the Wilderness Circuit.  

“This is a very prestigious award in the world of rodeo and we are honored to be recognized along with some of the very best in the business,” said Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director PJ Holm.  “When you consider that there are 43 different rodeos across Idaho, Utah and Nevada that we competed against, it shows just how prestigious this award is for us.  It’s a real honor for Idaho Falls, for our board and employees and for Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo – the War Bonnet Round Up.”

The WPRA will present the award to representatives from the City of Idaho Falls and the rodeo board on December 5, 2019 at the WPRA Star Celebration in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo week.   Additional information from the WPRA press release can be obtained at https://www.wpra.com/index.php/wpra-announces-2019-justin-best-footing-award-winners]

# # #

Media Note: For more information or to arrange an interview with city staff, please contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306 or PIO Kerry Hammon at 208-612-8122,