Dayton rodeo is ready to saddle up

Event begins Friday

DAYTON -- For 89 years, the Dayton Rodeo has built a reputation for bringing top professional rodeo competition to a small Iowa town and packing the hillside overlooking its arena with generations of fans every Labor Day weekend.

But even those who know just how big rodeo can get in Dayton weren’t expecting this.

Earlier this year, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) recognized the Dayton Rodeo as one of the Top 5 Medium Rodeos in the nation, placing the longtime Iowa tradition among the premier medium-sized PRCA rodeos in the country.

“We work hard to make sure that we put on a good rodeo every year,” said Clayton Bills, vice chairman of the Dayton Rodeo Celebration Committee. “To be named among some of the best rodeos and rodeos that are in much bigger cities than small-town Dayton, it was an honor. We’re going to keep doing what we do every year and make it a great rodeo weekend for everyone.”

The national recognition comes as organizers prepare for the 89th annual Dayton Labor Day Rodeo, which begins Friday and continues through Monday.

Four days of professional rodeo competition will again be mixed with the traditions that have become part of rodeo weekend in Dayton, from amateur events like Mutton Bustin’ and the legendary Wild Horse Race to military appreciation, Pink Night and Kids Day.

And while the national honor may be new, the rodeo’s reputation isn’t.

What began in 1937 with three young cowboys entertaining picnickers with rope tricks in the town park has grown into a professional rodeo capable of attracting some of the top competitors, entertainment, stock and production talent in the sport.

“This year we have Western Way Entertainment coming in for our specialty act,” said Bills. “They’re a husband/wife duo known for trick riding, lasso tricks, and stunts. We also have Dusty Brown coming back as our clown and barrelman. Dusty is a favorite for his comedy and interaction with audiences.”

PRCA announcer Boyd Polhamus will also return to the microphone at the Dayton Rodeo as the event’s announcer. Cervi Championship Rodeo Company will also serve once again as Dayton’s stock contractor, providing the bucking horses, bulls and cattle used throughout the weekend.

“It’s going to be a great weekend for rodeo,” said Bills. “We have the Wild Horse Race, which is one of my personal favorites, as well as saddle broncs, mutton bustin’ and more. After the rodeo, if people want to keep the party going, we also have a dance happening just up the hill at Shed ’37.”

Friday is RED Night -- Remember Everyone Deployed -- with rodeo-goers encouraged to wear red in support of military personnel currently deployed. Active military members and veterans showing military identification at the box office will receive a $3 discount Friday night.

Iowa Central Community College students can also receive a $3 Friday night discount with a college ID.

On Sunday, the hillside will trade red for pink during the rodeo’s annual “Cowboy Up for Cancer” Pink Night in support of breast cancer awareness. Fans are encouraged to wear pink and help “Fill the Hill with Pink.”

Monday will once again belong to the kids, with a 10 a.m. parade through Dayton and a 1:30 p.m. rodeo with children ages 11 and younger admitted free with a paid adult.