Pocatello Rodeo’s future in limbo

Every spring, the rodeo seems to take over the Gate City, but the future of that event is in doubt.

The rodeo is in financial trouble and has been for years. Some businesses in the area say they still haven’t been paid back for work or advertising they did for this year’s rodeo, which puts the future of next year’s in limbo.

Those in charge simply don’t know if it will be around next year. The Pocatello Rodeo Committee said ticket sales and sponsorships are on the decline and that community support has been dwindling for years. But all involved agree that the rodeo means an awful lot to the community.

The Bannock County commissioners discussed possible ways to help the Pocatello and high school rodeos on Wednesday. Commissioner Howard Manwaring said there’s one thing people in the area need to remember: Rodeos can’t survive without people in the seats.

“In order to keep them here, people have to come,” he said. “People have to attend the rodeo in order for us to make a difference. In order for them to be here, we have to attend them.”

On the phone with Local News 8 on Wednesday, Rodeo Chairman J.D. Johnston said “nothing’s off the table and nothing has been set in stone” concerning the rodeo’s future.

We’ll continue to follow this story and let you know as soon as a decision has been made.