In 1923, during the annual Old Soldiers Reunion being held in Sidney, Iowa, Henry and Earl Tackett offered to furnish some entertainment with a real rodeo! Model T cars, buggies and fencing formed a temporary arena and the Tackett brothers rounded up the wildest horses in the area, presented a grand show, and were paid $50 each for their bumps and bruises.
Veterans returning home after World War I had organized the Williams-Jobe-Gibson American Legion Post #128. Legion members who were interested in promoting the community made the decision to become producers of Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo in 1924. They built a small grandstand, went to South Dakota to bring back bucking horses, at $3.50 a head, and to Texas for wild bulls. They also purchased a few quarterhorses and these were kept year ’round on the Legion’s small farm.
Attendance grew rapidly by the late 1920s, the grandstand was enlarged and spectators were charged a small admission. Professional cowboys came to compete and trick riding acts and other specialties were added. For many years the grand entry included the presence of Native American tribesmen in full tribal dress, usually from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
During the 1950s and 1960s, nationally known TV stars and singers were a special attraction during rodeo performances.
For many years Sidney Iowa Rodeo has been a PRCA Rodeo. The contestants, stock (provided by the Cervi Championship Rodeo Co.), clowns and specialty acts are among the nation’s best. Young children, as well as the crowd, delight in Mutton Bustin’.
Sidney Iowa Rodeo 2018 will be held July 31 through August 4, at 8 p.m. each evening.
A Rodeo Queen Contest will be held prior to the first performance on July 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sidney Rodeo arena.
The Two County Dusters, a youth equestrian drill team, will perform each evening of the Sidney Rodeo.
Freestyle Mexican Bullfighting, which is sanctioned by Wrangler BFO, will be featured at the end of the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances.
Tent dances at the Sidney Legion Club will follow the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances. Brooke Turner from the Clarinda, Iowa, area is performing Thursday night, and Jason Earl Band from Omaha, Nebraska, will be performing on Friday and Saturday night.
The Sidney Rodeo parade will be Saturday, August 4, at 4 p.m. around the Fremont County Courthouse square in Sidney.
For tickets or information, contact Sidney Iowa Rodeo, P.O. Box 426, Sidney, IA 51652 or call 712-374-2695. Tickets may also be ordered on the web at www.sidneyiowarodeo.com. Ticket prices are $15-$25.