Those attending the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo this weekend are encouraged to show off their Western flair as the event returns to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds in Cortez for its 96th year.
Whether adorning country boots or roaring thunderously from the grandstands, organizers said it would not be the annual rodeo without the crowd.
The event typically draws over 5,000 visitors in three days, not including carnival riders. It’s one of the most celebrated and largest local gatherings during summertime. At the center of the weekend are three nights of rodeo shows, each starting at 7 p.m. and showcasing world-ranked champions, up-and-coming stars and Powder River Rodeo’s renowned animal athletes across all disciplines.
Aside from roping, riding, bucking, steering or even the moonlight dancing, the weekend features food, kids’ events and a full carnival experience from Frazier Shows Carnival. The weekend is planned by a committee entirely made up of volunteers.
Those organizers say the reason Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo consistently ranks first in “events” in The Journal’s Best of Cortez & Montezuma County, draws back to community engagement.
“Nobody’s getting rich putting this on,” said Bentley Colbert, rodeo committee chairman. “We do it because we love this sport, we love this town, and we want to keep that Western heritage alive for the next generation.”
Colbert added: “We want everyone to feel welcome. Whether you grew up on a ranch or you've never seen a live rodeo in your life, this event is for you.”
For those planning to attend, here’s a few tips from organizers to have front of mind:
Organizers suggest spectators buy tickets in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday evening performances, which sell out nearly every year.
Tickets are sold at utemountainroundup.org.
Thursday is Family Night, and a discount will be applied to those purchases. Tickets include admission into the after-parties Thursday through Saturday, where after-rodeo performances, live music, drinks and dancing follow. The lineup of local performers include Cole Edward Phillips, Wiley Kirks and the Kamino Cowboys, and Triple Nickel. Alcoholic beverages are available for adults provided by Blondie’s Bar.
Admission to the carnival is sold separately through wristbands or individual tickets but may be bought on-site.
“This truly is the event of the summer. This is where Four Corners families make memories,” said Madelaine Gaskey, a committee member.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and Gaskey encouraged people to arrive early, allowing enough time to park, grab fair food, browse vendors and take in the whole carnival atmosphere.
Free stick horse races are offered for kids each evening at 6:30 p.m. and parents can fill out the sign-up sheet before. Gaskey said children especially enjoy the opportunity to run around the arena.
“Stick horse races for the little ones, professional rodeo action for everyone, live music after the last ride and a community crowd makes the whole arena feel alive,” she said.
Gaskey said heading to the rodeo early potentially skirts traffic and parking delays, but she emphasized, regardless, the importance of being seated sharply at 7 p.m. for the openers.
“Opening ceremonies start right on time and they are worth every second – don’t miss them,” she said.
Organizers encourage going to a country retail store for an outfit or dusting off boots and using the rodeo as a moment to go all-out on the Western vibe through clothing and accessories.
Gaskey said once the show starts, loud cheers are how it thrives, with the crowd’s energy carrying over to performers, whether four-legged or two-legged.
“Be loud. Seriously,” Gaskey said. “You are not just a spectator at this rodeo, you are part of the show. When you cheer, when you’re on your feet, when you’re having the time of your life, our athletes feel it.”
awatson@the-journal.com
