Anticipation is at an all-time high in Idaho Falls as the city prepares to host the 114th annual War Bonnet Round Up, a professional rodeo spectacle deeply woven into the fabric of Idaho’s heritage. This historic event, celebrated as Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, promises three nights of thrilling competition and family-friendly entertainment, drawing enthusiasts from across the region to Sandy Downs.
In a significant prelude to the main event, approximately 30 dedicated members of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club convened at Sandy Downs to mark the imminent kickoff of the War Bonnet Round Up. Their gathering underscored the community’s profound connection to the rodeo, reflecting widespread excitement for the upcoming professional rodeo action.
Adding a touch of traditional rodeo glamour, Miss War Bonnet, Bailie Bramwell; Miss Teen Queen, Sydney Mitchell; and Miss Princess, Edie Barnes, were present at the Rotary Club meeting. These esteemed members of the War Bonnet Round Up royalty engaged in insightful discussions with the Rotarians, sharing their enthusiasm and insights regarding the iconic rodeo.
Rodeo fans also gained a unique perspective through a behind-the-scenes tour led by the renowned War Bonnet Round Up announcer, Kade Rogge. During the tour at Sandy Downs, Rogge offered an exciting glimpse into the world of bucking horses, vividly describing their untamed nature and the daring spirit of their riders, setting the stage for the intense competition.
A heartwarming highlight of the War Bonnet Round Up tour was the introduction to miniature bulls, a segment designed for the rodeo’s youngest competitors. Kassi Jones, the distinguished War Bonnet chairman and executive producer, explained that these smaller bovines are specially prepared for riders aged 7 to 14, nurturing the next generation of rodeo talent.
Addressing a crucial aspect of modern rodeo, Kassi Jones, the War Bonnet chairman and executive producer, explicitly emphasized the event’s commitment to animal welfare. She extended an open invitation for critics to observe their comprehensive animal safety protocols firsthand, reiterating the dedication to responsible and ethical treatment of all animals involved in the professional rodeo.
The gates for this esteemed PRCA rodeo event will open nightly at 4:30 p.m., inviting attendees to immerse themselves in the pre-rodeo festivities beginning at 6 p.m. The main professional rodeo action is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m., promising an evening of high-stakes thrills at Sandy Downs, located at 1860 S. 65th E.
Looking ahead to 2025, the War Bonnet Round Up is enhancing the spectator experience with the introduction of exclusive VIP seating within the Coors tent. For $65 per ticket, guests can enjoy a catered meal and prime reserved seating, offering an elevated way to experience Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo. It is important to note that a standard child admission ticket does not grant access to VIP seating, requiring a separate VIP ticket purchase for all attendees wishing to utilize this premium option.
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