Creston Classic Rodeo celebrates 28 years of riding, roping, and more

Tests of speed, skill, and wild rides start September 12

-The 28th annual Creston Classic Rodeo kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, September 12 with peewee barrel racing, followed by open jackpot barrel racing at 6 p.m. Friday is jackpot team roping night starting at 6 p.m. Sign-ups for both nights start at 5 p.m. Free admission for the jackpot events.

Saturday and Sunday are filled with rodeo, wholesome family-friendly activities, great food and vendors selling a variety of goods and representing local service clubs and businesses.

Gates open Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Cowboy Church is held at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Rodeo performances start at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Sunday’s performances are preceded by the popular Muttin’ Bustin’ event at 11 a.m. when young cowhands test their mettle astride sheep that may or may not cooperate with their riders.

“The rodeo is a great local event,” said committee president Tom Bordonaro. “Most of the contestants are locals, with a few hauling in from adjoining counties. It’s a great, wholesome family event with something for everyone.”

Saturday features dummy roping for aspiring young cowhands. Kids in three age groups: 6 and under, 7 to 9 years old, and 10 to 12 years old gather at 2:30 p.m. behind the grandstand to try their hand at roping a horned steer dummy.

Saturday night is topped off with the After Rodeo Barn Dance at the Longbranch Saloon, a local Creston favorite watering hole for great food and live music.

The final day of the rodeo, Sunday, closes with presentations of awards for two days of hard riding and roping.

The Creston Classic Rodeo is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by a group of local ranchers to maintain the community swimming pool and create a Creston Community Center. Proceeds from the rodeo support the pool, community center, local school and other activities. The pool was constructed in the 1960s and maintained at local expense for years before the first Creston Classic Rodeo in 1996. The old Station 43 Fire House has been converted into the community center, and renovations are ongoing.

The Creston Classic Rodeo is located at 6180 Webster Rd. in Creston. Saturday and Sunday admission is $10 for ages 13 and up. Kids 12 and under and the military are free. Admission to the Thursday and Friday evening jackpot events is free. For more information visit crestonclassicrodeo.org.