Dirt will fly at PRCA rodeo

One of the bigger Thermopolis events for the summer is the Cowboy Rendezvous Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo. The billboard south of town certainly announces the event, June 21 and 22 this year, but it’s far from the only new sight in 2019, the 15th year for the rodeo.

A mobile screen will show arena action and instant replays as well. Also new to the rodeo this year are the working dog trials, right after the 10 a.m. parade on Saturday. A course will be set up for the dogs with three to four obstacles such as a chute along the fence, barrels or a cross, in which the dogs have to drive sheep in one way and bring them out the other.

The theme of the rodeo and parade is Wyoming Needs More Cowboys. Action begins at 7:30 each night. Bust out your pink gear for “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” on Friday, June 21 in support of cancer fighters and survivors. On Saturday, June 22, don your red, white and blue for “Patriotic Night” in honor of all military, law enforcement and first responders.

Vendor alley will be open through the day and night, with a lot of new booths, and be sure to stick around Saturday after the rodeo and dance the night away to the music of Rattlesnake Ridge. The dance is outside at the fairgrounds, so there’s no reason to go elsewhere. In inclement weather, the dance will be moved to the fair building.

A preliminary count of the contestants is 18 bareback riders, 28 saddle broncs, 17 bull riders, 35 in tie down, 32 steer wrestlers, 24 in team roping and 47 barrel racers. Come one out and help celebrate this milestone for one of the town’s entertaining summer events.