Now in its 105th rendition, the 2016 War Bonnet Rodeo promises to be one for the history books.
The celebration — now under new management with the City of Idaho Falls — has expanded into a four-day extravaganza with additional events and a pre-rodeo kickoff party.
The fun starts Wednesday, Aug. 3 and runs through the evening of Saturday, Aug. 6.
“The War Bonnet Roundup is Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo. Today, more than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete each summer in front of more than 15,000 rodeo enthusiasts,” said Greg A. Weitzel, City of Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Director. “This year marks the first year the city has run this historic rodeo, and we are honored to welcome back the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall. From the beginning, the tribes provided the most colorful component of the rodeo, making the War Bonnet Roundup an important part of eastern Idaho’s culture and tradition. We are very passionate about maintaining and building upon this legacy.”
The War Bonnet Roundup Kick-off Party on Wednesday, August 3, will mark the beginning of a series of four-day events. The kick-off is sponsored by the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation and will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. in the heart of downtown at Capital Avenue & “B” Street.
Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, the 105th annual War Bonnet Roundup will take place August 4th, 5th and 6th at the Bank of Idaho Arena at Sandy Downs. Gates open at 5 p.m. with youth rodeo events including mutton bustin’, calf and lamb scramble and mini-bull riding beginning nightly at 7 p.m.
The rodeo starts at 8 p.m. nightly with the War Bonnet Roundup Royalty flag presentation followed by wild horse racing – a historic rodeo event sanctioned by The Professional Wild Horse Racing Association and sponsored by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. During the event, teams of contestants attempt to catch a wild horse, saddle it and ride across the finish line. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned events follow and include bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Rodeo clown J.W. Winklepleck and American’s Got Talent Finalist, Loop Rawlins will entertain crowds with antics and lasso tricks, and the rodeo will end each night with a free-style bull fight.
On Friday, August 5th at 10 p.m., “slack” will take place and is open to the public after the rodeo ends. Slack refers to a time during off or “slack” times that allows for numerous competitors to compete in timed events who are not part of the rodeo performance.
Admission to the main event is $20 at the gate or $18 in advance. Admission for children (ages 3-11) is $10, and children three (3) and under are FREE. Discounted tickets can be purchased online at www.warbonnetroundup.org or at Teton Toyota, KJ’S Super Stores, C-A-L Ranch Stores, Sportsman’s Warehouse or Boot Barn prior to the Roundup.
The 4th Annual War Bonnet Roundup Golf Tournament will be held on August 5th at Sand Creek Golf Course with tee off at 8 a.m. Team registration is $400 and includes green fees. Lunch is also included following the tournament. A cowboy or rodeo representative will be at the tee boxes to offer “professional” assistance. Foursomes and tournament sponsors can register at www.warbonnetroundup.org, or call Tyson Bowen, Assistant Golf Professional at (208) 612-8535.
Source: City of Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Department