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, 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 to 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 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. and The Cervi Brothers), bullfighters, clown/barrelman, and specialty acts are among the nation’s best. Young children, as well as the crowd, delight in mutton bustin’.

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

Dusty Myers from Jumpertown, Mississippi, is the clown/barrelman this year. Dusty has been nominated PRCA Clown of the Year as well as Comedy Act of the Year. He was chosen as a finalist for WNFR Barrelman,

There will be two daring young bullfighters this year. Cody Webster, Wayne, Oklahoma, 2013-2023 WNFR Bullfighter and 2020-2023 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, has been at Sidney from 2015 to 2022 and 2024.  Dekevis Jordan, Madill, Oklahoma, is again bullfighting in the Sidney arena. He has been involved with the UBF, PBR, PRCA, and an AFB World Champion. He was here last year. They do super work as cowboy protectors.

Chase Cervi, Roggen, Colorado, seven time WNFR Pickup Man and 2016 and 2018 Pickup Man of the Year, along with Randy Britton, Kiowa, Colorado, can be seen doing the pickup chores.

This year marks a 57 year partnership between the Sidney Iowa Rodeo and Cervi Championship Rodeo.

Josh “Hambone” Hilton, San Angelo, Texas, a former Sidney native, is the music director again this year for the 15th year. In 2017, 2019, and 2023, he was chosen as the PRCA Music Director of the Year. In 2023, Josh was selected to be the music director for the WNFR in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The specialty act for 2024 is presented by Lindy Lica and the Dickersons, Trick and Roman riders.

Spectators will enjoy Ranch Bronc Riding at the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances.

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 rodeo each year.

Sidney Rodeo Days will be held around the town square Saturday, August 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will start with a free-will pancake feed. 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, July 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sidney Rodeo arena.

In 2015, the Sidney Rodeo was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. The Sidney Rodeo also received the Congressional Record Award from Congressman David Young for 92 years of rodeo and for being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. The rodeo was also nominated as one of the top five finalists for the 2015 PRCA Committee of the Year Medium Rodeo and received a plaque. Mike, Binion, and Chase Cervi gave a gift of trophy spurs in commemoration of the Medium Rodeo nomination and induction into the Hall of Fame. 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 2024 Sidney Iowa Rodeo will be held July 30 through August 3 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 5:00 p.m. and arena gates open at 6:00 p.m.