2024
Special Events
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo isn’t just limited to the traditional rodeo events. From thrilling trick riding and roping displays to mesmerizing equestrian drill teams, our special event lineup showcases the incredible skills and talents of performers from all over the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo enthusiast or new to the thrill of the Wild West, our special events promise an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, laughter, and awe-inspiring performances throughout the summer.
Thank you to our sponsors who make this small-town rodeo big-time fun! We are excited to be offering fans and contestants alike the thrills and spills of the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo again for another season.
Kicking off the 2024 rodeo season on June 6th and we can’t wait to have you join us! Grab the family, dust of your hats, grab your boots, and get out to the Gus Darien Arena for the most fun you can have on a Thursday night in Carbondale!
Will the funny man, Joe Carr bring out his Bullherder 2000, or roll his “clown condo” into the danger zone?? Come find out, on Thursday, June 13th! The broncs are rough, the beer is cold, and the funny man’s act might end with a BANG!! Fun for kids from 0 to 100!
Our Independence Day, 4th of July Celebration.
Join us on July 4th for a star-spangled celebration. You will see a lot of flag waving, pride for our country, and patriotic decorations. And to make it extra special this year, the Latigos Up Drill Team, based on the Western Slopes, will be performing! You won’t want to miss this highly anticipated patriotic performance!
about Latigos Up
Latigos Up was founded to fulfill the need for consistent riding, performance, camaraderie among equine enthusiasts, and personal growth as horsewomen. Their team includes riders ranging from 10 years old to their 50s, encompassing all skill levels. While they have mom/daughter duos and pairs of sisters, they consider all teammates family. Their year-round practice focuses not only on our performance drill but also on preparing their horses for the routine.
Their riders have diverse backgrounds in equine disciplines such as reining, barrel racing, ranch versatility, and cow work. The drill showcases their synchronization, control, and timing while incorporating elements like weaves, wheels, pass-throughs, crosses, and unique choreography set to high-energy music, creating an engaging experience for the audience.
Rider and Bethany bring a unique blend of talent and experience to their act, making it a must-see for anyone seeking thrilling entertainment. Rider, a 5th generation cowboy, mastered trick roping, gun spinning, and whip-cracking from a young age, becoming a 2X World Champion All Around Western Performer by age 28. Bethany discovered her passion for trick riding at nine and pursued it full-time, earning recognition in the PRCA circuit. Together, they’ve won accolades and appeared on TV shows like NBC’s Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge and TBS’s Go Big Show, earning the title of 2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year. Their act is fun for the whole family and promises a captivating experience with their exceptional skills, global perspective, and reputation for delivering high-quality performances.
BE THERE IN PINK!
Join us for a meaningful and special evening at our Tough Enough to Wear Pink (TETWP) Rodeo, sponsored by ! For several years, R&A Enterprises has been a proud supporter of this event, and they invite everyone to join in honoring those who have bravely battled breast cancer. Together with the Calaway Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital, we celebrate the strength of cancer survivors.
We recognize the courage of those who have faced this challenging journey, acknowledging those who continue to fight, those who have triumphed, and those who are dearly missed. Our hope is to contribute to ongoing research and support efforts to increase the number of victories against breast cancer and all cancers. A portion of the event proceeds goes towards this important cause each year.
Have you or someone close to you been touched by breast cancer? Many of us have. You can be part of our western community’s initiative to raise funds for cancer research and support. The Calaway Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital will benefit from a portion of the rodeo proceeds, making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.
Mark your calendars for a special celebration of cancer survivors at our rodeo on Thursday, July 18th, at 7:30 pm. It’s our way of uniting as a community, remembering those we’ve lost to cancer, and showing unwavering support to those who continue to fight bravely. Join us in making a difference and standing strong together toward the cure!
Seeking additional sponsors for this event! Call CWWRA, President Mike Kennedy at 970-379-3907 for more information.
We’re not your average small town rodeo – we bring BIG entertainment! Tomas Garcilazo, known as CHARRO ON THE ROAD, is a legend in the rodeo world. He’s a 4-time PRCA Rodeo Act of the Year recipient and recently won a whopping $100,000 at the Big Show. His mastery of Hispanic heritage and Western legacy is showcased in a performance you won’t want to miss at the Carbondale Rodeo! Tomas continues to dazzle on the rodeo circuit, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him grace our event. Featured in Cowboy Country Magazine’s TOMAS GARCILAZO ~ CHARRO ON THE ROAD, Tomas is not alone in his talents. His wife and son join him, adding even more flair to his captivating act.
Get ready for an electrifying performance by Shelby, a renowned trick rider! With professional accreditation in both Canada and the USA, Shelby brings a high-octane show filled with fast-paced maneuvers, skilled horsemanship, and captivating pyrotechnics. Based on a cattle ranch in Southern Alberta, Shelby has amazed audiences across North America for over 13 years. Named the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Contract Act of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and a 3X Canadian Trick Riding Champion, Shelby’s unique and quick styles of vaulting are a must-see at rodeos. Catch her action-packed performance at the Carbondale Rodeo and witness the thrill firsthand!
Experience an unforgettable night at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo featuring The One Arm Bandit and Company! This 15-time entertainer of the year brings his renowned show to our town, showcasing incredible entertainment that travels across America.
Meet John Payne, aka The One Arm Bandit, from rural Oklahoma, a 15-time PRCA Entertainer of the Year. His performance is more than just entertainment; it’s a story of resilience and awe. Surviving a life-threatening incident involving 7,200 volts of electricity, John emerged as a legend — The One Armed Bandit. Despite it all, he astounds crowds with diverse acts, from handling zebras and buffalos to expert horsemanship and sharpshooting skills.
The One Arm Bandit & Company guarantees an evening filled with excitement and amazement. Don’t miss this fan-favorite act for an unforgettable experience!
Put on your best Hawaiian shirt and join us for a vibrant evening at the Carbondale Rodeo’s annual Hawaiian night! Embrace the spirit of the Paniolo heritage or simply add a splash of color to your cowboy gear. This lively event along with a special act by Piper Yule Cowgirl Inc. brings together the wild west and tropical vibes for a unique and fun-filled experience. Expect to see cowboys and cowgirls in grass skirts, blending cowboy charm with island flair. It’s a night of celebration and good times that you won’t want to miss!
about Piper Yule Cowgirl Inc.
Meet Piper Yule, the 13-year-old dynamo and 5th generation cowgirl who’s making waves as the young gun of rodeo! With her signature cow horses, cowgirl heart, and unparalleled horsemanship skills, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Piper doesn’t just ride horses; she brings the Wild West to life with her incredible talents. From Roman riding to liberty horsemanship and jaw-dropping trick riding, she wows massive crowds across the United States and Canada. Get ready to be amazed by this spitfire cowgirl as she takes the rodeo world by storm!
Finals and Awards Night
See who wins the All Around Saddle and the event buckles. It is always a heated competition to the end. The cowgirls and cowboys BRING their all to have the bragging rights and the buckle too!
Well deserved scholarships and volunteer awards along with special awards are also presented.
If you have any suggestions for special acts, please emailMike Kennedyat: [emailprotected] or call at: (970) 379-3907.
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo Association reserves the right to modify event schedules, rules, payouts, added money, and any other rodeo activities as deemed necessary.
Welcome to the Rodeo
The Carbondale Rodeo Committee is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization committed to keeping the Roaring Fork Valley’s western heritage alive by offering a fun family-oriented event for residents and visitors alike. The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo is held every Thursday from June until late August, rain or shine.
2024 Rodeo Season
The 2024 rodeo season will begin on Thursday, June 6th, and continue through Thursday, August 22nd. Come down to the rodeo every Thursday evening for 12 weeks.
- Gates open at 5 pm
- Slack is at 5:45 pm
- Grand Entry is at 7:30
Get Involved
Join us in preserving the Western heritage of the Roaring Fork Valley by volunteering for the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo! Contribute to a meaningful cause, build lasting connections, and enjoy personal satisfaction in supporting a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the spirit of the Wild West. Whether you're experienced with livestock or not, there's a role for you. Sign up today and make a difference at the Carbondale Rodeo!
To volunteer, email Mike Kennedyat:
[emailprotected] or call at:
(970) 379-3907.
Reserve Arena Fence Parking
We are excited to continue the premium arena fence online parking reservation system for the 2024 season!
Arena fence parking tickets go on sale every Wednesday starting at noon through the rodeo season and typically sell out within minutes.
Remember, leaving your vehicles at the arena or on Willow Lane early is no longer allowed.
Learn more about premium arena fence parking tickets HERE.
