Saddle up and put on your cowboy boots because rodeos are coming to the 49th state! Alaska is best known for its scenery and wildlife, and although moose, bears and caribou are some of the most popular animals to spot, in this arena, bulls are the star of the show.
Rodeos in Alaska
The history of organized rodeos in Alaska dates back as early as the 1960s. Today, Rodeo Alaska is dedicated to enhancing and enriching Alaska’s communities with family-friendly rodeos and live entertainment. Their events have the highest level of conduct, sportsmanship and horsemanship that celebrate this western heritage. There are several rodeos that take place throughout the year including:
PRCA Northernmost Xtreme Bulls Event in America, Palmer.
Memorial Day Weekend Rodeo, Palmer.
Father’s Day Rodeo, Anchorage.
Northern Most Rodeo in America, Fairbanks.
Kenai Peninsula Fair Rodeo, Ninilchik.
Bear Paw Festival Rodeo, Eagle River.
Alaska State Fair, Palmer.
Champions Tour Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo.
Timed Event Championships Rodeo.
Silver Legacy Jr. Rodeo.
Kodiak Rodeo & State Fair, Kodiak.
One of the most popular rodeos takes place each year at the Alaska State Fair. After waking up at the Westmark Anchorage Hotel, you can head 45 minutes north of Anchorage to the Alaska State Fair which occurs from mid-August to early September. Watch as professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from all over the nation put on a show. Between breaks in the rodeo, make sure you go check out the other offerings that the Alaska State Fair has. You won’t want to miss out on the food scene!
Rodeo 101
Professional rodeo action consists of two types of competitions, the rough stock and timed events. There are several events that happen at most rodeos such as bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer roping. In these events, cowboys and cowgirls compete against the clock and against each other. A contestant’s scores can depend on both their performance and the animal’s performance.
Rodeos are entertaining for viewers, but for competitors, the rules are intense and must be followed to earn a qualified score. For those unfamiliar with rodeos and the rules for each competition, learn more from Rodeo Alaska.
Alaska’s rodeos draw top talent from in the state and across the nation. If you’re looking for a family-friendly event packed with action and excitement, be sure to check out a rodeo while you’re in Alaska.
