Clearwater Chamber's sponsorship shines as 56th-annual event begins next week

The "best" weekend in June is approximately a week away, and when June 23 arrives, Clearwater's Big Rodeo will make it's 56th annual appearance.

Competition will continue through Sunday, June 25, at the Gene Snodgrass arena, located along U.S. Highway 275.

Youths, ages 3 to 7, will have a chance to ride a sheep when mutton busting begins at 7 p.m., Friday. Fifteen spots will be reserved during call-ins, scheduled for Monday, June 19. Another 10 walk-in spots will be up for grabs for participants who register each night of the rodeo.

Miss Clearwater Rodeo 2023 will be crowned prior to the start of rodeo action, at approximately 7:30 p.m.

After Friday's rodeo program, Full Choke will play on Main Street until 1 a.m.

A full day of activities is planned for Saturday, June 24.

Inflatables will be set up on the football field for youngsters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food will be available at the park.

Start Saturday morning with food and drink at The Waterhole.

According to co-owner Debb Pofahl, bacon or sausage breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy will be on the menu. Bloody marys and mimosas will be served, starting at 8 a.m.

Burgers, brats and salads will be offered during lunch 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. Trey Lewis is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. and Warren Zeiders 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 night 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.

Each night, the ring of fear will follow the conclusion of bull riding.

Cowboys and cowgirls will vie for added purse money, courtesy of area businesses.

Adult rodeo tickets will be available for $10 at the gate. Entry fee for youths, ages six to 12, will be $5 at the gate. Ages five and under will be admitted free.