For the first time in 11 years, the University of Idaho Rodeo Club will host the UI College Rodeo at the Palouse Empire Fairgrounds in Colfax, Washington.
The rodeo will be held this weekend from Oct. 12-13, and will feature a variety of events with an array of competitors from across the region. Admission will be free and food truck concessions will be available on-site for purchase.
The UI Rodeo Club is comprised of students with a passion for animals and their community. Not all members are competitors, but all are active participants behind the scenes, helping to cultivate the community and making it thrive.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the initial performance at the rodeo, also known as the “perf,” will begin at noon. This event is made up of ten competitors who present a show and will last two hours. After the initial performance is “slack,” in which all other competitors who were not in those first ten positions perform.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the rodeo will begin at 10 a.m. with the order of events remaining the same as the day prior with the “perf” in the first two hours and “slack” to follow.
The UI Rodeo Club is part of a nationally sanctioned organization called the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), according to the club’s Media and Outreach Director, Layla Knight. UI falls geographically in the Northwest Region, which is comprised of Washington, Oregon, most parts of Idaho and Northern California. These are the areas competitors will be from. UI itself is bringing between eight to ten competitors to the upcoming rodeo.
The only four-year university in participation, the role that UI plays is critical in building strong regional connections and offering education for those who want to pursue the rodeo while also earning a four-year degree. Knight encourages people to take an interest in the Rodeo Club, explaining that it’s not just for competitors.
“You don’t have to just jump into being a competing member,” Knight said. “You can really be a big asset to the team by just being involved and helping at the rodeos and representing us along campus and being educated about it.”
According to Knight, an active and longstanding member of the UI Rodeo Club, part of what has made the planning of this rodeo operate so well has been due to help from the agricultural departments and especially the work of the CALS clubs.
As with any club on campus, the UI Rodeo Club can use the support of students now more than ever. From supporting in the stands to working behind the scenes, there are opportunities to get involved. More information can be found on their Instagram: @idahorodeo
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].