IDAHO FALLS — It’s time to mount up and put on your cowboy boots to watch bulls and horses mount. Idaho Falls is celebrating a popular and historic rodeo that kicks off with a free event Wednesday night.
The War Bonnet Round Up is in its 111th year and is known as the oldest rodeo in Idaho. More than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete each summer in front of more than 15,000 rodeo spectators during the first weekend in August.
The War Bonnet Round Up will host the annual rodeo launch at Sandy Downs from 4:30-8:30pm on Wednesday. The event will include games and free rodeo action.
The War Bonnet Round Up banner. | Andrea Olson, EastIdahoNews.com
“Last year was the first year we moved the kickoff to Sandy Downs, which was a huge success,” Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director PJ Holm said in a news release. “We love our rodeo fans and having this event is a great way to kick off the fun and build excitement for what is undoubtedly the best rodeo in eastern Idaho.”
There will be food vendors, pony rides, mini bulls, bounce houses and more at Wednesday’s event.
The main rodeo events will begin Thursday and run through Saturday. Doors will open each night at 4:30 p.m
“I travel all over the country and this is one of the best rodeos I go to. The fans love it. It’s a great show … we love coming here,” said Troy Heinert, a collection man at the War Bonnet Round Up.
Heinert’s job is to remove riders from a bucking horse and make sure he escorts the animal out of the arena safely. He has been doing it for about 12 years and used to ride horses.
He has traveled to many different rodeos around the country and makes sure the animals are taken care of.
“We’re going to have about 100 animals here this week at this rodeo. You have to watch and make sure there’s no injuries and they’re healthy,” he explained. “In the morning, we make sure the water is full all day and the hay at night and we make sure they are in the proper pen where they are supposed to be. We do all this before we eat.”
Some of the bulls at Sandy Downs. | Andrea Olson, EastIdahoNews.com
“There’s going to be some horses here that only have one trip. They’re going to come to Idaho Falls and perform once and then get in the back with their friends and get good hay and grain,” he said.
Heinert is looking forward to the rodeo.
“I think my favorite part is right before I break the gate on the first horse. That’s where I get the most excited,” he said.
Thursday and Friday tickets are $20 and Saturday tickets are $25. Discounts are available for military and veterans. Tickets for children ages three to 10 are $10. Children two and under are free.
Tickets are available online and at local War Bonnet Round Up outlets including Teton Toyota, Vickers, Cal Ranch, Boot Barn and the Idaho Falls Recreation Center. Click here for more information on tickets.
