For the 54th year, the Methow Valley Rodeo will highlight Labor Day Weekend festivities at the Rodeo Grounds near Winthrop.
This year the event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6. The traditional bull riding, ranch saddle bronc and barrel racing events will be augmented by a new steer riding competition for youth in the 10-15 year old age group.
Two roping competitions will be a part of the show, as well. Saturday’s session will feature a team roping event and Sunday rodeo-goers will be treated to a breakaway roping event.
The Northwest Renegade Cowgirls equestrian drill team from Sedro-Woolley will also perform on both days and the traditional stick horse race and mutton busting competition will engage the younger set of fans, always a crowd-pleaser.
Rodeo royalty will also be on hand: Queen Winter Holt and Princess Reagan Aguilar.
Rodeo sessions will run from 1-4 p.m. each day. Admission is $20 for adults and kids over 12, $10 for youth 7-12 years old, children 6 and under are free.
The Methow Valley Rodeo has been an annual happening most years since its inception in 1971, first held at the Sunny M Ranch on Wolf Creek Road. In 1983 the rodeo arena was relocated to its current location near the intersection of Twin Lakes Road and Patterson Lake Road on land owned, still today, by Moccasin Lake Ranch.
The line to get in can be long at times, especially between 12:30 and 1 p.m., so get there early and enjoy the concession offerings and find your seat on the hillside above the arena.
The hillside is a little steep, but you’ll have your back to the sun, and there is a level spot on top if setting up a sunshade is in your plan.
More information is available at www.methowvalleyrodeo.com/.
