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 quarter horses 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.

In 1931, the addition of electric power at the arena made night performances possible. Since 1952 the livestock has been supplied by stock contractors. A small carnival and midway were added 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.

For many years, Sidney Iowa Rodeo has been a PRCA Rodeo. It is held in one of finest facilities in the nation, with new pens, ample parking, a covered grandstand, vendors, tram service and more. The contestants, stock (provided by the Cervi Championship Rodeo Co.), clowns and specialty acts are among the nation’s best.

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

Justin Rumford from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is the clown/barrelman this year. Justin has been awarded PRCA Clown of the Year for a record breaking 10 times from 2012 through 2021.

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.

This year marks a 54-year partnership between the Sidney Iowa Rodeo and Cervi Championship Rodeo.

Josh “Hambone” Hilton, San Angelo, Texas, a former Sidney native, is music director again this year for the 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.

Sidney Rodeo Days will be Saturday, August 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. around the town square. Be a part of the fun family activities and stay for the rodeo parade that begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Sidney Rodeo Queen Contest is prior to the first performance on Tuesday, August 2, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sidney Rodeo arena.

In 2015, the Sidney Rodeo was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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. Finally, it was 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. In commemoration of the 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. The Cervi family has been livestock contractors for over 50 years. These awards can be seen in the Fremont County History Center and Iowa’s Championship Rodeo Museum. The museum, located at 609 Cass Street, will be open Rodeo Week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Sidney Iowa Rodeo will be held August 2 – 6 at 8:00 p.m. each evening. For more information or tickets, call 712-374-2695. Tickets are $20 – $30 and may also be ordered at www.sidneyiowarodeo.com. Parking opens at 5:30 p.m. and arena gates open at 6:00 p.m.