It’s the 26th year, and Junction City Rodeo coordinators are going all out for this year’s competition July 19-20.
“We’re excited to welcome a full lineup of entertainment complementing Kraft Rodeo Company’s outstanding livestock,” said Darryl Blocker, rodeo ramrod.
Performances are at the Geary County Fairgrounds, Junction City, with several additional features planned.
Designated as Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night, the Friday, July 19, rodeo will benefit cancer research, recognizing cancer sufferers.
The Silver Buckle Drill Team kicks off each evening with the rodeo grand entry at 7:30.
Cowboys and cowgirls from through the Midwest will compete in traditional rodeo events.That includes bareback bronc riding, ranch style bronc riding, bull riding, mini bull riding, cowgirls’ barrel race, calf roping, breakaway roping, and team roping.
Kraft Rodeo Company at Abbyville has one of the top strings of livestock in the country, Blocker said.
There’ll be special kid events each night including calf scramble, boot scramble and mutton busting.
Highlight of both evenings’ rodeos is likely to be rodeo clown funnyman Stormin’ Norman Stewart with his antics keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Rodeo dances follow each performance at Coyote’s Saloon.
Saturday morning, July 20, at 10 o’clock, a Special Needs Rodeo is planned.
Everybody has been invited to wear red, white and blue for Military Appreciation Night Saturday evening.
All active service men and women and those formerly serving for freedom of the country are to be recognized.
The new Junction City Rodeo queen is to be crowned Saturday evening by 2018-2019 Miss Rodeo Junction City Zoe Bean.
The Silver Buckle Drill Team began in 2006 and is based out of McPherson, where the group is supported by the McPherson Saddle Club. The riders travel all over Kansas and into Missouri performing at different venues including professional rodeos, festivals, county fairs, and parades.
These riders and their horses work to carry on the tradition of speed, precision, and expertise in entertaining.
Special needs children four years and older and their siblings have been invited to participate in the Saturday morning events. That’ll include steer roping, hand-rocked bareback riding, horse carriage rides, and arena rides with rodeo queen candidates.