Saddle Up! - Utah Rodeos 2014

By Whitney Hollingshead

The thought of a rodeo might conjure up images of cowboys, clowns running for their lives, or maybe even a bad western movie you watched not too long ago. But rodeos can be fun for everyone, not just dyed-in-the-wool cowboys and cowgirls. In fact, they can be great events for the whole family. Here are some great reasons to consider taking your family to see a rodeo this summer, as well some information for several rodeos happening right here in Utah!

It’s a Great Excuse for a Road Trip

While plenty of rodeos are located near Salt Lake County, there are also several rodeos each summer located in cities like Moab and Cedar City. Why not make it an event and take the whole family on a little road trip? If you went to Moab this year for the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo (May 29-30), you’d have plenty of time to catch a rodeo and visit Delicate Arch.

Visit Vernal’s Dinosaur Roundup (July 10-12), and you could also check out Flaming Gorge and Vernal’s famous Dinosaur National Monument.

Or, if you decide to visit the Bryce Canyon Bullriding Jackpot in Bryce this summer (June 2), you could make a weekend of it and visit Bryce Canyon as well! This is the perfect way to take in an incredible show and see Mother Nature at her finest.

It’s an Event for the Whole Family

Rodeos often feature events for kids or are part of larger fairs, with activities for the whole family. Pleasant Grove’s Strawberry Days (June 19-22), for example, hosts a rodeo along with a carnival, a concert, a free family swimming day, a children’s art festival, a pageant, a parade, and many other festivities.

The Logan County Fair features a rodeo, a carnival, a pageant, and a parade as well.

The Days of the Old West in Delta (June 13-15), even includes a couple of car shows!

Many rodeos feature “Muttin’ Bustin’” events (mini rodeos for children). The Utah State Fair (Sept. 5-8), is one such rodeo. It also features a multitude of other events that are sure to draw your whole family in.

It’s an Important Part of American History

It’s undeniable. Rodeos (cowboys, cowgirls, bull riding, big belt buckles, cowboy boots, and everything else) are a big part of Western culture. In a state like Utah, it’s important (not to mention incredibly fun) to partake in a piece of American history. Many rodeos take this into consideration and use the time as an opportunity to showcase and share the important traditions of the American West.

The Days of 47 (with events throughout April, May, and up until July 24th), for instance, features a rodeo along with several events dedicated to the Utah pioneers. Come to the rodeo for fun and to learn more about Utah’s state history.

Rodeos are held all over the state on July 4th, featuring tributes to the good old U.S.A. After all, what’s more American than an old fashioned rodeo?

It’s a Whole Lot of Fun to Dress Up

Getting into the spirit of the rodeo is half the fun of the event! Buy yourself a big belt buckle, invest in some great cowboy boots, wear some jeans and plaid, or buy yourself a cowboy hat to wear to the event. Get the whole family involved and get everyone to dress up as a cowboy or cowgirl. Visit a specialty Western store’s website like AA Callister for inspiration.

If you’re skeptical about how much you’d enjoy a rodeo, try it out. You’ll be surprised at how much fun a rodeo can be for the whole family, especially when you get into the spirit of it at are willing to have a little (or a lot) of fun.

About the Author: Whitney Hollingshead is an optimist, a dreamer, and a professional writer.  She loves learning and sharing tips, tricks, and fun facts with others.  In her spare time she thrives on coming up with fun and creative solutions for everyday opportunities, especially when the solutions enable her to spend more time with family and friends.