Thousands are gathering to Idaho Falls this weekend for the oldest professional Idaho rodeo.
The city kicked off The War Bonnet Round Up on Wednesday at the Sandy Downs Arena with mutton busting and youth events. The rodeo runs through Saturday and promises several more events, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding.
The rodeo originally began in 1911 with a group of businessmen. The Chamber of Commerce eventually took over, and then The American Legion, a nonprofit veteran’s organization, took charge of the event until eight years ago.
Bob Skinner, a War Bonnet Round Up Legend, has had a long-time involvement with the rodeo and started working with the event through The American Legion in 1980.
Skinner served as War Bonnet Round Up Chairman for 13 years. Today, he is a WBRU Association Member & Advisory Board member and in charge of Military Night and the American Legion affiliation.
For Skinner, who is a grandfather and a great-grandfather, he looks forward to viewing the rodeo events for kids.
He said, "I love to watch the kids because I've got a bunch of grandkids of my own and several great grandkids of my own. My granddaughter one year came in second in the sheep riding contest. You go to her bedroom today and there's a little memorial in the corner with this great big trophy that was bigger than her when she rode."
Skinner said the rodeo is great for families, with plenty of activities for young children like mutton bustin', chute dogging and steer riding.
Although The American Legion originally organized the event, the City of Idaho Falls has been in charge for the last eight years.
PJ Holm is the director of parks and recreation for the City of Idaho Falls.
Holm said planning the rodeo is a year-long process. He meets with the board of directors at least once a month to plan the rodeo.
He said the rodeo is a great way to connect with history and the community.
Along with the traditional rodeo events, the city is also providing petting zoos, horse rides, bouncy houses and a rock climbing wall to allow the community to gather.
If you go, expect nightly themes like "Man Up Crusade," "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" and "Veteran's Night."
Holm said, "It's fun to see all that work go into something that kicks off and runs in such a way that looks like it's effortlessly executed. Just running the rodeo is such a huge joy and a great thing that I appreciate every year."
Holm said he expects between four and five thousand people to attend the event each night. Tickets are selling fast.
To purchase rodeo tickets, visit the Idaho Falls website at War Bonnet Round Up | Idaho Falls, ID (idahofallsidaho.gov). You may also purchase tickets at Teton Toyota, Vickers, Cal Ranch and at the Idaho Falls Recreation Center.
The rodeo also welcomes volunteers.
Community members can sign up to be volunteers at the rodeo through contacting the Idaho Falls Parks and Rec Office. Their contact information is on the city’s parks and recreation website at Welcome to Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation | Idaho Falls, ID (idahofallsidaho.gov).