War Bonnet Roundup kicks off tonight in Idaho Falls
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IDAHO FALLS — The city of Idaho Falls is hoping to rope you into the 105th War Bonnet Rodeo, known as Idaho’s oldest rodeo.
“More than 450 cowboys and cowgirls compete each summer in front of more than 15,000 rodeo enthusiasts,” Parks and Recreation Director Greg Weitzel said in a news release.
Kick-off for the four-day event starts Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Capital Avenue and B Street. The kick-off party is free and will feature free-style bullfighting with Mexican fighting bulls, mini-bull riding and rodeo clown J.W. Winklepleck.
“America’s Got Talent” finalist Loop Rawlins is one of the is the kick-off’s special guest performers.
“Tonight here at the kick-off you’ll get a chance to see Loop Rawlins perform. You’ll get just a taste, and you’ll have to come to the rodeo to see the rest,” Mayor Rebecca Casper said during a news conference.
This Western entertainer is skilled in trick roping, whip cracking and fancy gun spinning.
“I’m excited about the rodeo, (and) to do my act,” Rawlins told EastIdahoNews.com.
The event will feature wild horse racing, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and saddle bronc riding, to name a few.
Roundup chairman Brent Foster said the rodeo is a professional event.
“We got the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) involved. We’ve got a stock producer out of North Dakota, Chad Berger. He supplies for the national finals all over the country,” Foster said.
He said it’s an event the whole community should attend.
“It’s top notch,” Foster said.