Bannock County PRCA Rodeo returns to Pocatello Memorial Day Weekend

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo is finally back in Pocatello, bringing intense competition, clown comedy, and stellar trick riding cowgirls to the community.

"It's the best show on dirt. Rodeo is the number one sport in America," stated Dustin Jenkins, rodeo clown for PRCA. "It's the reason why sporting events go on today."

The show is partnered with Big Bucks Rodeo to bring nationally ranked and competitive cowboys to perform and compete in many events. Attendees can look forward to 15 bull riders each night, bronco riding, trick riding, team roping and an Indian relay race.

"There's some NFR stock here, some NFR guys too," said Lelo Garcia, PRCA bullfighter. NFR means national finals rodeo, meaning cowboys from there compete at the highest level and showcase their top-notch talent. "It's going to be epic, especially in the bullriding with 15 bull riders each night."

Something special about the shows is the award given to one lucky fan by Jenkins as the rodeo clown. The "Fan of the Night" Big Bucks Buckle is awarded to the loudest fan in the crowd.

"Each night gets a buckle and I'll give it away, they can take this thing home, it's gorgeous," Jenkins said. "So that's the fun thing about the performance is getting to give stuff away."

Jenkins added no matter where he is, the crowd is his favorite part of every show. He not only saves lives by distracting the bulls once they've tossed off the rider, but provides entertainment throughout dead spots in the show.

"It's me and him [the announcer] all night long, we try to put on a performance to make sure everybody's happy that's here," Jenkins said.

The rodeo world isn't for the faint of heart, but these two have been at it for years, and wouldn't have it any other way.

"I've always liked mean cattle," Garcia said. "Since I was a little kid, it didn't make sense to me that everybody sells them and gets rid of them, I love them. There's some mean ones that will be out at the shows."

For tickets and showtimes for this weekend's shows, visit https://www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com/.