Rodeo
events
aug 31 - sept 7, 2024
With events planned for the entire week, there is something to do for everyone in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Pre-rodeo
activities planned for aug 31 - Sept 3, 2024
Click "Learn More" on the events below to learn more about registering or attending the pre-rodeo events.
Admission into any Pre Rodeo activities requires a rodeo button.
A list of rodeo button sales locations can be found here.
Lil Spurs Rodeo
Contestants ranging from 3 to 14 years old will compete in 6 competitions: Calf-Riding, Calf-Scramble, Goat-Tail Tying, Greased Pig, Mutton Bustin', & Stick Horse Barrel Racing.
Pre-registration is required to participate; find out more about how to register for this event HERE.
The public is welcome to come and help cheer the cowboys and cowgirls on! Entry for this event is included in the purchase of a rodeo button.
Rodeo Stampede
The Rodeo Stampede 5K is a Tri-State Rodeo tradition among community members and rodeo visitors. Participants will meet at the Bud Light Stock Yard in the Tri-State Rodeo Grounds to register before the run. Following the run, participants can eat at the Fareway Pancake Breakfast.
A half-mile run/walk will also occur for our younger participants, ages 12 and under.
Pre-registration is required to participate; find out more about how to register for this event HERE.
special kids rodeo
Open to all physically & mentally challenged kids and adults.
Events include Simulated saddle bronc riding, Horseback rides, Simulated barrel racing, Simulated calf roping, Horse drawn trolley rides, KC the mechanical bull, Goat tying, Petting Zoo, Simulated bull riding, and Simulated horseback riding.
All contestants are winners! T-shirts and prizes will be given to all! Picnic lunch will be provided for everyone at the event.
Pre-registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome; find out more about how to register for this event HERE.
Little Miss rodeo & all around cowboy
Each year, little cowpokes from around the area get dressed up in their best western attire and compete for the prestigious title of Little Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy. The contest, held on Labor Day each year, takes center stage under the bright lights of the Tri-State Rodeo Arena. Contestants must be ages 5-7 at the time of the contest.
Prior to the contest, canisters, with each child’s name and photo, will be placed in area businesses for family and friends to show their support for them by dropping their “spare change” in the canister. A portion of the money collected in the canisters goes to Miss Rodeo Iowa to help defray traveling expenses as she competes for the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas each December. Each year, Miss Rodeo Iowa serves as our Master of Ceremonies to help her prepare for her trip to Las Vegas. Judges do not know the amount collected in each canister, and in the event of a tie, the amount in the canister will determine the winner.
On the event night, contestants are judged on four main categories: Talent, Attire, Stage Presence, and Personality. Talent can be anything from reciting a poem to singing their favorite song. In years past, youngsters have shown off their archery skills, told jokes, and even auctioned off their baby sister! The talent portion is a crowd favorite, and it’s a beautiful way to get the contestants to show off their shining personalities. The panel of 4 judges will have the most formidable job in the world, choosing our winners, but at the end of the night, ALL of our contestants are winners! Each contestant walks away with a goodie bucket FULL of awesome prizes donated by our ever-generous sponsors. However, only one boy and one girl will win the Little Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy titles!
Our winners get to ride in style each night at the Tri-State Rodeo as they are driven around Rodeo Arena in one of the many RAM trucks provided by RAM Rodeo. On Saturday morning, you can also see them descending Avenue G in the Tri-State Rodeo Parade.
For over 35 years, our titleholders have been our youngest “ambassadors” for the Tri-State Rodeo! Does your little cowboy or cowgirl have what it takes to win the title? If so, we hope to see you in September!
Pre-registration is required to participate; find out more about how to register for this event HERE.
pee wee barrels
This event, like most barrel races, has some rules. The rider must be 12 years and under and ride a pony that Is 56 inches and under; the best part is that there is no entry fee. In order to qualify and make the top 8, you must run in the prelims at the Ft. Madison Saddle Club Arena on the Tuesday before the rodeo. Curt Hagey, formerly from Illinois, now resides in Stephenville, TX, and ran in the first race. Curt says it was so cool to run in front of so many people and under those big lights, and it’s a memory he will never forget. Isiah Wenig, who qualified several times in the 90s, said it was the highlight of his year and now enjoys his kids running in the race. Jeff & Kelli Metcalf, who have kept the event going for the past 20 years, say kids from Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri look forward to this each year. The top 8 fastest times will receive Belt Buckles and all kids running in the prelims receive T-shirts.
Pre-registration is required to participate; find out more about how to register for this event HERE.