The spirit of the American cowboy thundered through Amarillo this Fourth of July weekend as the 84th annual Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo took over the Range Riders Arena, delivering three nights of high-octane competition, live music, and patriotic celebration. Hosted by the nation’s oldest continuously operating riding club, the event honored the legacy of Will Rogers with a full slate of traditional rodeo contests and family-friendly fun that drew crowds from across the Texas Panhandle.
Sanctioned by both the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) and the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA), the rodeo featured elite contestants competing in bareback and saddle bronc riding, ranch bronc, bull riding, tie-down roping, ladies breakaway, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and team roping. Early-morning slack rounds kicked off July 2 for ropers and racers looking to earn a shot at top prize money, with $1,000 to $2,000 added to each event. Beyond the arena, the rodeo came alive with nightly live performances, a new Bob Matney Boot Race for Bikes, and the ever-popular mutton bustin’ — where pint-sized cowpokes took their shot at sheep-riding glory. The celebration peaked with a dazzling fireworks show, lighting up the Amarillo sky and sealing the rodeo’s place as a beloved Fourth of July tradition rooted in grit, community, and Western pride.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo rides high with 84th Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
