REXBURG—The Whoopee Days Rodeo is back this weekend, at the Madison County Fairgrounds this Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m.
This annual Rexburg tradition is a sell-out event. Tickets are available at myfairgrounds.com. Gates open this Thursday at 5 p.m. The pre-show of mutton bustin’ starts at 6:15 p.m. and the rodeo at 7 p.m.
This year every ticket is a raffle entry with the chance to win a new Ford Bronco thanks to Woody Smith Ford.
Fairground board member Bret Bagley is not new to rodeo; he showed animals at the local county fair and helped his dad at rodeos across Eastern Idaho.
Rodeo culture naturally brings the Rexburg community together; many families have roots in agriculture and ranching. Though the skill set was a livelihood for many generations, now those skills shine in the rodeo arena.
Young rodeo athletes participate in months of practice to improve their skills in bare bronc saddle, roping, barrel racing and more rodeo events.
“We can see year-round the individuals in the community and from the surrounding areas who come weekly to our facilities to practice, and they put in a lot of time,” Bagley said.
One event the audience will not want to miss is the cash cow. Audience members run around chasing wild cattle wrapped in cash.
Each night has a special theme. Thursday is Family Night and is sponsored by the Bank of Commerce; the public can buy four-pack tickets for $40. Friday is Cancer Awareness Night, which is sponsored by MadisonHealth. A fundraiser raffle will be held in honor of those fighting cancer. Saturday is Patriot Night sponsored by Patriot to honor America’s 250th anniversary.
The public is invited to attend the rodeo and be a part of the annual Madison County tradition.
“If they can go away feeling that pride of being an American, then we've done our job,” Bradley said.
To learn more or to volunteer, go to myfairgrounds.com.