Many annual events say they are bigger and better every year, but with the 41st Annual Kaw Valley Rodeo in Manhattan, it’s not just lip service.
“We’re up about 100 more contestants than last year,” said Kaw Valley Rodeo Association representative Steve Frazier during Monday morning’s Riley County Commission meeting.
The rodeo kicks off Thursday night in conjunction with the Riley County Fair in Wells Arena inside the Riley County Fairgrounds.
Frazier told commissioners an approved tweak in the rules through a request he submitted to the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) two years ago allowed the Great Lakes Division to partner with the Central Plains Division so that bordering regions can share points.
“You had to be within 100 miles of that other territory to participate and have your points count for your region, and they did change it that any bordering region would be acceptable and count for your region,” he said. “So that is one of the reasons we are up about 100 entries.”
Commissioner Robert Boyd praised Frazier and the Kaw Valley Rodeo for its growth.
“Congratulations in the increase in the contestants, that’s wonderful,” Boyd said. “It will only increase from here.”
“Yes, it will,” Frazier responded.
More information on the rodeo can be found at kawvalleyrodeo.com. A full breakdown of the Riley County Fair, including schedules and 4-H information can be found here.
