The City of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the lineup for the 106th annual War Bonnet Round Up – Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, presented by Teton Toyota.
Idaho Falls is proud to bring back the best Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) talent and stock to compete in this week’s annual family-friendly event on August 3, 4 and 5 at the Bank of Idaho Arena at Sandy Downs.
The trio bullfighting team of Lelo ‘Krazy Train’ Garcia and John Roberts will return this year, bringing with them National Finals Rodeo bullfighter, Chuck Swisher.
American’s Got Talent Finalist, Loop Rawlins returns to entertain crowds with his antics and lasso tricks and will be accompanied by master Wild West Performer AJ Silver. This is the first time AJ and Loop are combining their skills to put on a unique performance, premiering only at the War Bonnet Round Up.
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. for those who want to come early to get the best seats and enjoy the mechanical bull, games, food and vendors.
The Youth Rodeo events will begin at 7:00 p.m. with mutton bustin, calf and lamb scrambles, a presentation by the new War Bonnet Junior Posse Drill Team, and mini bull riding.
The PRCA rodeo will start at 8:00 p.m. each night with the War Bonnet Round Up Royalty flag presentation followed by a special presentation and wild horse racing sponsored by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
PRCA sanctioned events will include steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. New this year is a featured bareback riding event that is bringing some of the best bareback riders in the country.
Slack is free on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. and includes a free pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., as well as a free behind-the-chutes tour at 10:30 a.m.
The rodeo will end each night with a free-style bullfight competition.
New to Thursday’s rodeo is Family Night, sponsored by Local News 8 that includes a myriad of games and activities for young rodeo fans.
Friday night is Tough Enough to Wear Pink, sponsored by Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Rodeo fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
Saturday evening is American Legion’s Salute to our Veterans, sponsored by Teton Toyota where the theme will be red, white and blue.
“The Board of Directors and committee members have been working very hard to make this the best rodeo in our history. We are thankful for the many sponsors and volunteers who help to put on this event every year. Last year, we sold out on Friday and Saturday nights, so we encourage folks to get their tickets early,” stated Brent Foster, Chairman of the War Bonnet Round Up Board of Directors.
General admission tickets are available online starting at $20 for adults, ages 11 and up. Tickets are $10 for children, ages 2-10. Children under the age of two are free. An adult must accompany all children.
Adult general admission tickets are $18 at local ticket outlets, including Teton Toyota, KJ’s on Sunnyside, Boot Barn, Vickers, Sportsman Warehouse, Idaho Falls Recreation Center and C-A-L Ranch. Children’s tickets at ticket outlets are the same price as they are online.
The $5 dollar parking fee is not included in the ticket, however, every parking pass comes with an official rodeo program and day sheet.
Media Note: A press conference will be held on Wednesday, August 2, at 10:00 at Capital & “B” Street at the downtown mini-arena. Performers and committee members will be available for interviews.
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