Getaways – Go West for Rodeo Fun

RISMEDIA, July 24, 2009-(MCT)-As summer begins to come to an end, and you haven’t gotten your fill of excitement, you may want to head out West, where rodeos offer excitement for the entire family. Here are five places to catch the broncos in action.

1. Beaver Creek, Colo.
This Rocky Mountain ski town is in its eighth season of presenting traditional rodeo. Get there early to enjoy face painting for the kids plus barbecue and other treats prepared by Vail Valley’s top chefs. Then settle in for bull riding, calf and team roping, bareback, and barrel and burro racing. Kids can sign up for Mutton Busting (riding sheep) or the calf scramble. Thursdays through Aug. 20.
Contact: 970-845-9090; www.beavercreek.com.

2. West Yellowstone, Mont.
Visit Yellowstone National Park then drop by this historic rodeo to see all of your favorite events. All kids who compete in the calf scramble, which entails chasing a calf released from a chute and attempting to grab a ribbon from its tail, will receive a gold Sacagawea dollar. Weekends through August. Contact: 406-560-6913: www.westyellowstonerodeo.com.

3. Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Every Wednesday and Saturday night, rodeo fans will find action-packed fun at the Teton County Fairgrounds where locals and visitors join for rodeo and refreshments. Expect traditional events plus Cowboy Chuckwagon grub and activities just for the kids. Through Labor Day. Contact: 307-733-2805; www.jhrodeo.com.

4. Steamboat Springs, Colo.
The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is the nation’s most successful weekly rodeo and an important part of a summer visit to this northern Rockies cowboy town. Every Friday and Saturday evening from mid-June to mid-August, locals mix with tourists for an evening of Western fun. The calf and ram scramble may be just right for arena-ready young wranglers. There are separate events for kids 5 and younger as well as a scramble for ages 6 to 12. Contact: 970-879-1818; www.steamboatprorodeo.com.

5. Black Hills, S.D.
From the Crazy Horse Memorial to Deadwood to Rapid City, summer is rodeo season in the Black Hills. With music, parades, fireworks, refreshments and activities for the entire family, take your pick from the pro circuit and amateur schedules for some high-octane Western entertainment. Contact: 605-355-3700; www.blackhillsdiscovered.com.