Rodeos a sure crowd-pleaser at Santaquin city celebration
The Little Buck-a-Roo Rodeo will kick off the week-long Santaquin Orchard Days this year.
A competitor holds on during the during the bareback riding event at the 2013 Orchard Days Rodeo.
A group watches the competition during the 2013 Orchard Days Rodeo.
A city celebration isn’t complete without a rodeo, and nowhere is that more true than Santaquin and its award-winning Orchard Days rodeo.
According to Paige Steele, rodeo chairman, Santaquin has earned the distinction of Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association “Rodeo of the Year” the last seven consecutive years.
Steele said the rodeo is such a success because “we treat the cowboys really well,” and “it’s a hometown atmosphere.”
Steele also said the arena seating is unique, because in addition to bleachers that will be set up, families can sit on the grass.
Santaquin Mayor Kirk Hunsaker said he hopes the rodeo is “a sell-out,” and that people come to enjoy it and the fireworks show, which will be held both nights following the rodeo.
Hunsaker said the rodeo is a “wonderful opportunity” for the community to get together and have a good time.
“You can’t beat what Santaquin does. I enjoy every part of it,” he added.
The two-night rodeo will be held July 31 and August 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Santaquin Rodeo Arena, 175 S. 400 West. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3 to 16 the day of, or $1 cheaper if purchased beforehand at city offices or online at www.santaquin.org.
In addition to the main rodeo, youngsters can compete in the Little Buck-A-Roo rodeo on July 25. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Santaquin Rodeo Arena, 175 S. 400 West, and runs all day.
Jolynn Foreman, Santaquin City events coordinator, said children can compete in sheep riding, riding mini bulls and barrel racing. However, participants must pre-register by July 20 at www.santaquin.org.
The Little Buck-A-Roo Rodeo allows youngsters the opportunity to try their hand at rodeo. According to Foreman, there have been children as young as 7 that have competed in the bull riding event.
Buckles will be awarded for first place winners in each category, and a grand prize saddle will be distributed to the top cowgirl and cowboy.
For Foreman, the Buck-A-Roo rodeo affords an opportunity for kids to “see where their grandparents come from” and “show what Santquin’s about.”
However, the rodeo is not limited just to Utahns.
According to Foreman, “We get people that come out of state for the rodeo because we’re one of the few rodeos that gives saddles away.
“Saddles are expensive so it’s a big deal to win a saddle,” she added.
In addition to the competitive events, there will be a candy toss, chicken run for children 12 and younger, and a money steer for children 12 and older.
Admission for the Little Buck-A-Roo Rodeo is $1.