EAGLE, Idaho (CBS2) — Rodeo season in the Treasure Valley is set to kick off next week with the Eagle Rodeo. The event is from June 7-10. This is the first year the rodeo will be in its new location off Highway 16.
"We were in downtown Eagle, and we outgrew that facility, but I think we've got room for growth here," said Matt Woodington, Director with the Eagle Rodeo. "We actually have ten extra acres of parking compared to what we have ever had in the past."
The Eagle Rodeo started in 2001 and was moved out by the Avimor subdivision on Highway 55. This year, the rodeo is at its new grounds, donated by the City of Eagle, at 8660 W. Equest Lane.
With the new location on such a busy road, traffic may affect those attending and traveling between Emmett and Eagle on Highway 16. "We've worked really closely with the Idaho Transportation Department, Ada County Sheriff's Office, the Eagle Police and Idaho State Police," Woodington said. "There will be flaggers out on the highway directing traffic. We have a very good parking system that will be directed by an outside company that will have over thirty employees directing traffic and parking people."
Though the rodeo is working to mitigate heavy traffic, Woodington said to expect some delays going through that area.
Matt recommends fans get there early for the best parking and seats. The gates open at 5 p.m. He also recommends bringing cash for the approximately 25 food trucks and boutiques to do a little shopping.
The Eagle Rodeo also offers a chance for young rodeo athletes to compete in front of their hometown crowd. The junior rodeo events start at 6 p.m. and includes junior bulls, roping, junior barrels and mutton busting.
CBS2 met two young competitors in junior barrels, Ava and Adalyn Krebs, who have been competing at rodeos around the valley for two years. Adalyn says she likes to compete because she gets to see all of her friends and watch how they run.
Adalyn says she was interested in going into barrels because her best friend races, and her cousin used to compete.
Ava began competing after she went to a horse camp and experienced barrel racing for the first time. Her favorite part about competing is "the memories and getting to do something I really love to do."
During junior barrels next week, watch for Adalyn on her horse, Bianca, and Ava on her horse, Brie.
Eva Niecko is one to watch in mutton busting. She has been riding sheep for four years and has competed in six rodeos.
Eva says her favorite part about the rodeo is the sheep and the horses. She said she would like to try riding mini bulls when she gets older. Her mom told CBS2 she might need a little convincing before letting Eva do that.
The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. There will be an after-party on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tickets can be purchased at any Human Bean location in the Treasure Valley and Meridian, Glenwood and Overland D&B Supply locations.
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