Clearwater Rodeo returns for 54th event

Clearwater's Big Rodeo, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, will provide plenty of action as the best weekend in June kicks off Friday, June 25 and continues through June 27, at the rodeo grounds situated along U.S. Highway 275.

Opening night will be jam packed with events. Little cowboys and cowgirls will have an opportunity to ride on a sheep when mutton busting begins at 7 p.m. Fifteen spots were reserved during call-ins, Monday, and 10 walk-in spots will be up for grabs for participants who register each night of the rodeo.

Miss Clearwater Rodeo 2021 will be crowned prior to the start of the rodeo, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Four young women will vie for the title by participating in horsemanship competition earlier in the day.

At 9 p.m., Dylan Bloom will take center stage on Main Street and play until 1 a.m.

Saturday activities will feature events for all ages. A sand volleyball tournament will be held at the court in the park, with first serve set for 9 a.m.

Youngsters will not want to miss the inflatables, set up on the football field and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hot dogs, ice cream and water will be available, for free, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for those playing on the inflatables.

Several food and drink options will be available at local establishments during the day.

Start the morning with a breakfast burrito, mimosa or bloody Mary at The Waterhole. According to co-owner Debb Pofahl, serving will begin at approximately 9 a.m. They will serve brats and burgers for lunch and throughout the afternoon.

Jim Swails, proprietor of L-Bar-B, said lunch and dinner specials will be available.

Burgers, turkey legs and ribs will be on the lunch menu and prime rib will be the featured menu item, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Saturday evening festivities will begin with mutton busting at 6. Rodeo events will follow at 6:30 p.m.

At 8 p.m., Dylan Bloom will play on the Main Street stage. Tyler Rich is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., and Riley Green will headline at 10 p.m.

Identification will be required to purchase drink tickets. A clear-bag policy will be in effect on Main Street, both Friday and Saturday evenings. No purses, coolers or backpacks will be allowed.

Sunday evening events will begin at 6 p.m., with a field of 25 participating in mutton busting.

Rodeo competition is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. Mexican poker will be held nightly, following the conclusion of bull riding.

Cowboys and cowgirls will vie for added purse money. Nine area businesses, including Scotty's Manure, Aurora Cooperative, Gene Stevens Custom Chopping, Thiele Dairy, Hi-Way Mart, Inc., DK Feed and Supply, Kerkman Electric, Inc, Sanne Service, LLC and Bearinger Tax and Accounting,

LLC, have boosted the bounty for the weekend.

Tickets for adults will be available for $10 at the gate. Entry free for youths ages six and older will be $5 at the gate. Children ages five and under will

be admitted free.

Pre-sale tickets are available at Clearwater Feed and Grain, Hi-Way Mart, Clearwater Market and Summerland Advocate-Messenger, in Clearwater. Online ticket sales will close at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, June 24.