The 2021 Sidney Iowa Rodeo will be held August 3-7. 

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 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.

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. 

In 1931, the addition of electric power at the arena made night performances possible. The livestock has been supplied by stock contractors since 1952. A small carnival and midway were added, publicity was increased and rodeo spectators came from far away to attend, staying in the homes of Sidney residents, as did the cowboy contestants. Churches and food stands provided home cooked meals, and a carnival and flea market were added. From 1959-1992, nationally known TV stars and singers were a special attraction during rodeo performances.

For many years, Sidney Iowa Rodeo has been a PRCA Rodeo. It is held in one of the finest facilities in the nation, with new pens, ample parking, a covered grandstand, vendors, and tram service. 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’. 

Again this year, each evening of the Sidney Rodeo will have a spectacular performance by the Two County Dusters, youth equestrian drill team. 

Rockin’ Robbie Hodges from Cave Spring, Georgia, is the clown/barrelman this year. 

Those two daring young bullfighters this year are Cody Webster, Wayne, Oklahoma, 2013-2020 NFR Bullfighter, 2020 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, and 2014-2020 PBR Finals Bullfighter, and Evan Allard, Vinita, Oklahoma, three time World Champion Freestyle Bullfighter and 2019 NFR Bullfighter. 

Pickup chores will be done by Chase Cervi, Roggen, Colorado, six time NFR Pickup Man and 2016 and 2018 Pickup Man of the Year, along with Randy Britton, Kiowa, Colorado. 

This year marks a 54 year partnership between the Sidney Iowa Rodeo and Cervi Championship Rodeo. Josh “Hambone” Hilton, San Angelo, Texas, a Sidney native, is Music Director again this year. This is his 12th year in a row to bring his music to the Sidney arena. In 2017 and 2019, he was chosen as the PRCA Music Director of the Year. 

Residents of Sidney and the surrounding area take pride in this annual event and many volunteers assist with all facets of the production of the Sidney Iowa Rodeo each year. It wouldn’t be the success it is without them.

Individual singers audition prior to rodeo time and are selected by a panel of judges to perform the national anthem. Their stunning performances add much to opening ceremonies.

Sidney Rodeo Days will be held around the town square Saturday, August 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come be a part of the fun family activities and stay for the rodeo parade that begins at 4:00 p.m.

The Sidney Rodeo Queen Contest will be held prior to the first performance on August 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sidney Rodeo arena. 

Visit the Fremont County History Center and Iowa’s Championship Rodeo Museum to experience the history of Fremont County as well as Sidney Rodeo and its 98 year history. The museum is  located at 609 Cass Street and will be open Rodeo Week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Sidney Rodeo was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 8, 2015. The Sidney Rodeo was also honored in 2015 to receive the Congressional Record Award from Congressman David Young. This award was presented to the Sidney Rodeo Committee for 92 years of rodeo and for being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. It is special for a rodeo to be nominated as one of the top five finalists for the 2015 PRCA Committee of the Year Medium Rodeo. For being nominated, the Sidney Rodeo received a plaque from the PRCA on December 2, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. In commemoration of Medium Rodeo nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame, a gift of trophy spurs was given to the Sidney Rodeo by Mike, Binion, and Chase Cervi.

For tickets and information, contact Sidney Iowa Rodeo, P.O. Box 426, Sidney, IA 51652 or call 712-374-2695. Tickets may also be ordered at www.sidneyiowarodeo.com. Ticket prices are $15 to $30. Parking opens at 5:30 p.m. and arena gates open at 6:00 p.m. Each evening’s performance begins at 8:00 p.m.