The 97th annual Sidney Iowa Rodeo will be July 28 through August 1. Performances begin at 8:00 p.m. each night.

In 1923, during the annual Old Soldiers Reunion being held in Sidney, 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.

The Sidney Rodeo parade around the Fremont County Courthouse square in Sidney will be Saturday, August 1, at 4:00 p.m. The parade theme this year is being developed around celebrating Sidney’s Sesquicentennial.

The Sidney Rodeo Queen Contest is prior to the first performance on July 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the rodeo arena.

The Fremont County History Center and Iowa’s Championship Rodeo Museum is located at 609 Cass Street in Sidney. The museum will be open Rodeo Week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 712-374-2695. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.sidney iowarodeo.com.