The Tarkio Rodeo Association, Tarkio Chamber of Commerce, Slo-Rollers Car Club, Tarkio Rotary Club, Tarkio Lions Club, the Heartland Riders and the Kenneth and Joy Clapp family are making plans for the 23rd annual Tarkio Rodeo and Rodeo Parade, as well as the breakfast, car show, lunch, and rodeo ride. These fun-filled events bring hundreds to town and everyone is looking forward to another year of festivities.
TARKIO RODEO
The 23rd annual Tarkio Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, 2017, at the Tarkio Rodeo Grounds, located on the southeast side of town off of Hwy. 136. This year’s theme is “Born 2 Ride.” The rodeo begins at 8 p.m. each night. Mutton Bustin’ for children ages six and under will start the nights off. From 6:30 to 7 p.m., the first 20 kid entries will ride. There is a $2 entry fee. Following the mutton bustin’, rodeo goers will get to watch nine buck wild events that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Barnes and Sons Rodeo Company is the stock contractor for the event.
Admission to the rodeo is: preschool age and under – free; youth age 12 and under – $5; and adults – $15. Attendees are asked to not carry in any food and drinks as there is a concession stand on the property that will supply the grub. Funds raised from the participation and admission fees and concession stand are what keep the rodeo coming back to Tarkio each year. So, if you get hungry or thirsty, purchase your goods at the concession stand.
RODEO BAND
Something new this year! A local band out of Burlington Junction, Missouri, Michael Goff and Broken Spoke, will be performing Saturday night, June 10, following the rodeo! This is included in your rodeo admission. Come on out to enjoy the rodeo and then finish the night with some good music.
Rotary & interact pancake breakfast
The Tarkio Rotary Club and Interact Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, June 10, from 5 to 9 a.m. at the American Legion Building in Tarkio. The price is $6 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, eggs, milk, and juice.
car show
Take a stroll through the park (across the street from the Legion) or pull up a lawn chair (your own) and take a gander at all of the classic trucks, motorcycles, and cars in the Doug Summa Memorial Car Show at Niedermeyer Park, which begins around 9 a.m. on June 10. This year’s event is sponsored by the Tarkio Chamber of Commerce and the SloRollers Car Club. The Lions Club will be serving lunch (free will donations accepted) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the park.
Heartland riders bike blessing
The Heartland Riders Chapter 513 of the Christian Motorcyclists Association invite you the chapter’s 2017 bike blessing. Come out to Niedermeyer Park in Tarkio Saturday, June 10, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and receive a special bike blessing for a safe riding season. While your bike is being blessed, enter it into the Car Show and then take your bike for a ride in the Tarkio Rodeo Parade at 1 p.m.
Tarkio Rodeo Ride
The Tarkio Rodeo Ride includes a number of people on horseback and in horse-drawn carriages gathering at the Clapp residence northeast of Tarkio and riding into town before the start of the parade. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10. All horse and mule riders and teams and wagons are welcome. Once the riders have reached town, lunch will be provided. After lunch, the riders will take part in the Tarkio Rodeo Parade and then ride back out to the Clapps’ for a POTLUCK supper (the meat is furnished) at 6 p.m. Breakfast will be furnished Sunday morning, June 11. There is plenty of room for camping. All participants of this ride need to RSVP so the Clapps have an idea on the amount of food needed (call 660-744-6858).
RODEO PARADE
The Tarkio Chamber of Commerce and Tarkio Rodeo Association are hosting the Tarkio Rodeo Parade on Saturday, June 10, at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 12:15 p.m. at the intersection of 9th and Main streets. The parade will make its way down Main Street and end at 3rd Street. Everyone is encouraged to line the streets and enjoy the sights and sounds!
Past rodeo queens, contestants, rodeo board members, car collectors, clubs, and organizations (including churches/schools) are encouraged to join in the fun. Dress up the pets and include them, too. The parade wouldn’t be complete without the many horses and riders who make the ride down Tarkio Main Street, just like in the early years of the Tarkio Rodeo.
Businesses around town are encouraged to decorate their windows and store fronts. Pull out those scarecrows, dress them in their finest rodeo attire, and place them around town, down Main Street – anywhere that will welcome our rodeo fans. Vendors are welcome to set up on Main Street the day of the parade.