Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo returns for fourth year, promises 'Wildest Show on Dirt'

A cowboy competes in saddle-bronc riding at a previous Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo. This year's event, scheduled for July 19 & 20, will feature similar high-energy rodeo action with over 100 contestants expected to participate.

COURTESY OF MATTHEW OCKINGA

Children participate in the popular Chicken Chase event at last year's Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo. The event, open to kids ages 2 to 10, will return this year as part of the rodeo's family-friendly activities.

COURTESY OF MATTHEW OCKINGA

A bull rider demonstrates the thrilling action spectators can expect at the upcoming Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo. The event, described as "Chelan's wildest show on dirt," will feature professional riders competing in various events including bull riding.

COURTESY OF MATTHEW OCKINGA

Posted Saturday, July 13, 2024 1:17 pm

Lake Chelan Mirror
Ward Media

CHELAN — The Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo is set to return for its fourth year on July 19 and 20, offering what organizers describe as "Chelan's wildest show on dirt."

The event promises a weekend of high-energy rodeo action, featuring over 100 contestants competing in various events such as steer wrestling, roping, saddle-bronc, and bull riding.

"We're expecting over 100 contestants to compete in this year's Chelan rodeo," said Jodie Southwick, vice president of the Chelan Rustlers Saddle Club and co-chair of the Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo. "These PRCA champions come in from all around the US and Canada and really know how to put on a show."

Each evening will begin with a grand entry featuring the Wild Card Trick Riders performing acrobatic stunts. Rodeo royalty from various Washington cities and Lewiston, Idaho, will also participate in the events.

This year's rodeo will welcome Brandon Dunn as the Barrelman and Entertainer. Cheyenne Stocker, chairwoman of the Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo and Rustlers Saddle Club board member, commented, "We're thrilled to have Brandon as part of our rodeo entertainment this year. As a longtime bullfighter and professional rodeo clown, he's become a crowd favorite wherever he goes. Folks will not be disappointed."

Family-friendly activities include a children's area, the popular Chicken Chase for kids aged 2 to 10, and a new Steer Scramble event for adults. A rodeo parade is scheduled for Saturday morning in downtown Chelan.

Southwick expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, "We're excited about this year's rodeo season. It will be rodeo at full-throttle, Chelan's wildest show on dirt, and exactly what our fans want."

The weekend's festivities will conclude with a performance by the rock band RADIO 80 following Saturday night's rodeo events.

The Chelan Rustlers Saddle Club, established in 1953, continues its tradition of sponsoring both professional and junior rodeos in the Chelan Valley.

Tickets for the Lake Chelan Pro Rodeo are available through the Chelan Saddle Club's website at https://www.chelansaddleclub.org/pro-rodeo.