Annual Clearwater rodeo returns June 24 through 26

The "best" weekend in June kicks off Friday, June 24, as Clearwater's Big Rodeo returns for its 55th annual run.

Competition will continue through June 26, at the Gene Snodgrass arena, located along U.S. Highway 275.

Opening night will feature fun for all ages. Youths ages 3 to 7 will have a chance to ride a sheep when mutton busting begins at 7 p.m. Fifteen spots will be reserved during call-ins, scheduled for Monday, June 20. Another 10 walk-in spots will be up for grabs for participants who register each night of the rodeo.

Miss Clearwater Rodeo 2022 will be crowned prior to the start of rodeo action, at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Following the rodeo, Full Choke - a Clearwater staple since the band's inception - will play on the Main Street stage until 1 a.m.

Saturday's schedule will include a full slate of activities.

A sand volleyball tournament will be held at the court in the park. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m.

Youngsters will not want to miss the selection of inflatables, set up on the football field. They will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Start the morning sunny side up at The Waterhole. According to co-owner Debb Pofahl, breakfast burritos and sausage gravy and biscuits will comprise the menu. Mimosas and bloody mary's will also be available.

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

The restaurant's Friday night buffet, along with menu items, will be available. Saturday specials include the buffet or prime rib, while Sunday offerings include a one-pound serving of ribs or a prime rib sandwich.

L-Bar-B will open from 12 to 2 p.m., Friday through Sunday, for lunch, and regular evening hours.

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

At 8 p.m., Full Choke will play on the Main Street stage. Drew Green is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m., and Mitchell Tenpenny 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, Nielsen Insurance, 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 fee for youths, ages six to 12, will be $5 at the gate. Children ages five and under will be admitted free.