Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the Moab area, event organizers say you’re in for just plain fun at next week’s Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo.
There will be seven main events every night at the Old Spanish Trail Arena, according to Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo Club chair Kirk Pearson, including steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding and calf roping. But that’s not all: There are side events, too – including Mutton Bustin’ and stick pony racing for children – and even a carnival outside the arena at 3641 S. U.S. Highway 191.
The rodeo will run from Thursday, June 1, through Saturday, June 3; doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo at 7 p.m.
Participants in the rodeo are members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association.
“Riders are competing for points and money … and their goal is to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas,” Pearson said.
The PRCA has a dress code for male and female riders.
“If you are competing, you have to have a long-sleeve shirt with a collar and a cowboy hat,” Pearson said.
Bar-T-Rodeo Inc. is the stock contractor for the event. The family-owned Moab business has been providing livestock for all sorts of events for more than 60 years.
It takes brute strength and fortuitous courage to wrestle a steer. Perfect timing is needed for team roping. The rodeo is no place for fools … but a clown? Now what would a rodeo be without rodeo clowns?
Rodeo clown, barrelman and entertainer Mark Swingler will appear at the arena next week.
Swingler was asked why he does what he does, and with a boisterous laugh and in a sincere, modest tone, he said, “I’m just a small part of the rodeo … everybody’s lives are so hectic, my act makes people forget about things for two hours.”
Swingler’s unique talents have earned him the respect of the rodeo industry and he is, without a doubt, a fan favorite. Swingler said he is excited about the Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo, which will mark his first time performing in Moab.
This year’s event will be a true collision of the stars, as Scott Grover – one of the PRCA’s best announcers – will be there, too. Swingler said he’s thrilled by the chance to work with Grover.
Miss Utah Rodeo 2017 McKenna Hales will also make some appearances, and to top it all off, the Jeff Keele Band will perform on Saturday, June 3, after the rodeo.
On Thursday, June 1, “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” merchandise will be available for purchase. TETWP products promote cancer awareness, and the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise go to the Moab Free Health Clinic, which allows local women access to mammograms.
The carnival, meanwhile, begins on Wednesday, May 31, at 7 p.m. until closing. It picks up again on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, running from 2 p.m. until closing both days, and resuming on Saturday, June 3, from noon until closing.
There will be no sign-ups for children’s events at the rodeo. Go to www.moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com/whats-new–happening.html for updates as to where and when you can sign up for children’s events.
“Everybody’s lives are so hectic, my act makes people forget about things for two hours.”
When: Thursday, June 1, through Saturday, June 3; carnival begins on Wednesday, May 31, at 7 p.m.
Where: Old Spanish Trail Arena, 3641 S. U.S. Highway 191
Cost: Varies
Information: www.moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com/index.html
For ticket information and additional inquiries, visit the Canyonlands PRCA website at: www.moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com/index.html.
