‘Make a memory’: Idaho Falls welcomes 115th annual War Bonnet Rodeo

IDAHO FALLS — The War Bonnet Rodeo is back in town, and organizers say they have nearly twice the number of contestants as in years past, many of whom already feel at home.

The 115th annual War Bonnet Round Up began on Wednesday, and rodeo events are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at Sandy Downs, 1860 E. 65th South in Idaho Falls.

In a press conference on Wednesday, organizers said they’re making every effort to ensure this year’s rodeo leaves kids and adults with lasting memories.

“One of the things we say is: Make a memory for the kids,” said PJ Holm, executive director of the War Bonnet Round Up.

Edie Barnes, this year’s Miss War Bonnet Rodeo Princess, echoed Holm’s sentiment and said she is excited to take part in all the festivities. Though she says the responsibilities that come with the “princess” title can be nerve-wracking, seeing the smiling faces of young kids makes it worth it.

“It’s nice to see little kids’ faces light up when I enter a room,” Barnes said.

While each evening is full of events to see this year, the rodeo will pack even more of a punch with the inclusion of fireworks and drone shows.

“It is an action-packed evening, from start to finish, that is a little piece of our culture and region all rolled up into one event,” Holm said.

Although the rodeo brings a lot of excitement, Shelby Woolsteahulme emphasized the importance of the rodeo’s history and the bond it creates with the local Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

“To be able to incorporate the history behind it all has been absolutely amazing,” said Woolsteahulme, who serves on the board of directors and manages tribal relations. “We would not have this rodeo if it wasn’t for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.”

Kade Rogge, who has been announcing the rodeos for 13 years, said the War Bonnet Rodeo means more to him each year.

“It feels good to get back to my home state, and this is definitely one of my favorite stops of the year,” Rogge said. “To me, this is a rodeo with history you want to tell your grandkids you showed up to.”

Pre-rodeo activities begin each night at 5:45 p.m., with the main event at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $26.83 for adults, $13.26 for children ages 2-12, with free admission for children 2 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com.

More information on the rodeo and other War Bonnet Roundup events can be found on the City of Idaho Falls website.

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