Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo July 28 & 29
July 20, 2023
The 19th annual Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo, Friday July 28 and Saturday July 29 is only a few days away. This year will involve many changes and guarantees two nights filled with traditional rodeo excitement. Gates open at 5:30 pm with the Grand Entry commencing at 7:30 pm both nights at the J. Neils Park Arena north of town off Highway 37.
Rodeo fans will be impressed with the number of professional cowboys and cowgirls filling out the lineup of contestants, vying for the opportunity to compete on the four-legged athletes provided by the new stock contractor, Jon Kmita of The Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Corporation coming from Weyburn, Saskatchewan Canada. Bullfighters Ruger Jennings and Koby Ruff will be protecting the bull riders while funnyman Nate "Shot Gunn" Reed will entertain spectators with his humor and featured acts until he crawls into his specialty barrel to help fill his role also protecting cowboys.
High school Close-Up students again will be directing the parking duties this year. They again will provide transportation for handicapped rodeo fans who might need assistance from the parking lot to the Grandstands. This is a "by donation" service provided which helps these students earn a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to Washington, DC next spring. Take advantage of their offered service.
Friday night, attendees will be encouraged to wear purple in recognition of the Man Up Crusade, a public awareness program endorsed by the Western States Sheriff’s’ Association. Because 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths are caused each year as a result of domestic violence, this program, created by Canyon County Sheriff, Kieran Donahue of Nampa, Idaho, is dedicated to promoting healthy relationships in an effort to break the cycle of domestic abuse. Lincoln County alone experiences about 12 incidences each week. Kootenai River Stampede Rodeo is proud to join other major PRCA rodeos around the West supporting this program introduced to KRS by LC Sheriff Darren Short.
Saturday night is the traditional salute to America - the evening will focus on the wearing of red, white and/or blue attire by all who want to participate by displaying their national pride. Rodeo IS the true American sport evolving from our Western heritage of the cowboys, cowgirls and ranch life.
For the last years of over 100 degree heat - one of those years with forest fire smoke so thick one couldn’t see to the end of the valley - the stands were packed to capacity both nights! With a new stock contractor, new livestock plus a full lineup of contestants, rodeo fans will be treated to nearly three hours of nonstop excitement. There will be rodeo royalty and pageantry plus a kids' events each night providing fun for the entire family. fyi - ALL these young participants will receive a coupon for a FREE ice cream treat from the 4B’s Restaurant with the winner each night receiving a pair of boots from Murdock's Farm & Ranch in Kalispell.
This event happens because of support from the community - both from rodeo fans and businesses. KRS encourages fans to take note of WHO those sponsors ARE - thank them and frequent their businesses. Any event doesn’t happen without them. This year, the historic Henry’s Restaurant is again the Title Sponsor. Additional rodeo atmosphere is evidenced by the new sponsor Spin ‘Em Rodeo Company out of Cour d’Alene, Idaho.
Rodeo action will be at the J. Neils Arena north of Libby. Dates for the event are Friday, July 28th and Saturday, July 29th. The rodeo will commence at 7:30 pm as the sun dips behind the trees on the West side of the arena dropping the temperatures which allow for a cooler evening of fast-paced professional rodeo action. Gates open at 5:30 pm, giving visitors the opportunity to claim their favorite seats and wander through various vendor booths plus grab a delicious bite to eat with a choice ranging from the hot dog and hamburger variety to Rosita’s chips & salsa to BBQ! Ace Hardware is setting up a misting tent on the south end of the bleachers... if a fan or contestant finds it necessary to cool off some!?
Tickets are currently on sale now. Presale tickets are an affordable $17 for adults while those tickets will be $20 at the gate. Military Veterans, Seniors (age 60 and over) and Students (age 7-15) can purchase tickets for the presale price of $12 or at the gate for only $15. Kids 6 and under are admitted free - as always. Tickets are available from the following ticket outlets: Libby Area Chamber, Timberline Auto Center, Homesteaders Farm & Ranch Supply, The Printing Press and High Spirits Liquor. In Troy, tickets can be obtained at The Silver Spur Restaurant. For computer-savvy folk, tickets are available online as well at www.rodeoticket.com.
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