Idaho Cowboys Shine at Bannock County PRCA Rodeo Return to Pocatello
POCATELLO, Idaho — The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo drew enthusiastic crowds to the Bannock County Fairgrounds over the weekend, marking the return of professional rodeo to Pocatello after more than a decade away. Saturday’s afternoon matinee show capped off a two-day event that saw Idaho competitors place in the top three across multiple competitions, drawing hundreds of fans to both the Friday evening performance and the Saturday matinee.
The weekend event, produced by Big Bucks Pro Rodeo in partnership with Summit Pro Rodeo, distributed just over $42,000 in total prize money across the competitions. Lucas Cruz of New Mexico claimed the All Around Cowboy title, while Idaho cowboys secured top-three finishes in several individual events. In addition to the rodeo itself, Saturday’s matinee featured a horse race following the main competition — an added draw that generated considerable buzz among attendees.
A Homecoming for Pro Rodeo in Southeast Idaho
For rodeo announcer Kade Rogge, a Paul, Idaho native, the weekend carried personal significance. Rogge noted that seeing professional rodeo return to Pocatello brought back memories of attending events as a child and looking up to the cowboys who competed.
“It means a little more to me this week that pro rodeo is back in Pocatello,” Rogge said. “I tell everybody that Idaho is the Texas of the north.”
Rogge also pushed back on the notion that Idaho’s rodeo talent flies under the radar nationally. He described the Wilderness Circuit — the regional PRCA circuit covering much of the Northwest — as among the most competitive of the 12 circuits in professional rodeo, pointing to Idaho cowboys’ consistent performances at the National Finals Rodeo and other premier events as evidence of the state’s depth of talent.
One of the distinctive features of the Big Bucks Pro Rodeo production is its tradition of awarding custom belt buckles — not only to event winners, but also to the most enthusiastic fan in the crowd. Rogge noted that the practice sets the event apart. “Not very many people give away belt buckles anymore,” he said, adding that the tradition encourages audience engagement in a way that cash prizes alone cannot.
The event’s entertainment package included a full PRCA announcer team, bullfighters, and rodeo clown Dustin “The Jester” Jenkins, all contributing to the atmosphere that kept crowds engaged throughout both performances. Bareback riding, in particular, generated the loudest crowd reactions, with the high-energy event drawing loud responses from the stands.
City Officials Back the Rodeo’s Return
Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist attended Saturday’s matinee and voiced strong support for the event’s return to the city. “I know the organizers have done a really great job of putting this together, so I’m out here to support it,” Dahlquist said. “I think it’s going to grow and grow, and it’s exciting for our community.”
Rogge echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the event’s future in Pocatello depends on community support. “This town is a big time rodeo town, and it’s been over a decade since we’ve had a professional rodeo,” he said. “We want to keep it here — you do that by buying a ticket.”
The return of PRCA-sanctioned competition to Bannock County comes at a time when the region has seen renewed interest in Western heritage events and outdoor recreation. With a strong local cowboy tradition and a fairgrounds venue capable of hosting large crowds, organizers appear hopeful that the event can become an annual fixture on the Southeast Idaho calendar.
For families and rodeo fans looking for more community events this season, the ICCU Splashpad at OK Ward Park opened for the summer season this weekend, offering another outdoor option as warmer weather settles into the Pocatello area.
What Comes Next
No official announcement has been made yet regarding whether the Bannock County PRCA Rodeo will return for a second year, but organizers and local officials have both expressed a desire to build on this weekend’s momentum. Residents interested in future rodeo announcements are encouraged to follow Big Bucks Pro Rodeo and the Bannock County Fairgrounds for updates on the 2027 event schedule.