Grab your hat, break out the boots, and get ready to step back in time as the Truckee Pro Rodeo celebrates five decades of this exciting event. A throwback to Truckee’s old-west heyday, the rodeo is fun for all ages, with heart-stopping bull-riding action and riders showing off honed skills like roping and tying that are regularly used in ranching.
Get your tickets and head to McIver Arena on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17. General admission comes with two seating options: on the lawn or in the bleachers. The lawn is perfect to spread a blanket or post up with some chairs as you kick back and watch the rodeo. Aside from water, no outside food or drinks are permitted, but don’t worry, the crew from the nonprofit Truckee Donner Horsemen will be running several bars throughout the rodeo grounds and there will be a line-up of food trucks offering delicious creations to satisfy your hunger. There will also be water refill stations available.
Want to get in on the rodeo action a bit earlier? The horsemanship and indoor portion of Truckee Pro Rodeo Queen Pageant will be held on Aug. 11. The competition takes place at a private residence in Truckee, so if you’re interested in learning more about the hard work and dedication it takes to be crowned rodeo queen, contact queen coordinator Ronda Gentry at ronda@gng-logistics.com. It’s free to attend. Sponsors of the current rodeo queens or the pageant itself are also welcome. Contact Gentry at the aforementioned email address or email info@truckeerodeo.org.
Mutton button, in which kids ages 4 to 8 are mounted on sheep to compete for the longest ride, gives the younger generation a chance to experience a bit of ranch life. While mutton busting spots are full for the year, there is a waitlist. If you’d like to get your child on the list, find details at truckeerodeo.org.
General admission tickets are $20 online, $25 at the gate. Kids ages 6 to 12 are $12 online, $15 at the gate, and little ones 5 and under are free. Discounted tickets for both military and seniors are $15 online and $20 at the gate. On Saturday Night after the rodeo, stick around for some dirt-dancing to live music by Everyday Outlaw. The dance is included in the price of admission for those attending the rodeo Saturday. For the safety of rodeo guests and participants, please leave your pets, six-shooters, and other weapons at home.
Info: truckeerodeo.org
~ Juliana Demarest/Moonshine Ink
