Annual event set for June 19-21 at Bellevue Horsemen’s Club
Provided by DAVID NAMANNY (Bellevue Herald-Leader)
When it comes to summertime in the Bellevue and eastern Iowa area, it doesn’t get much better than taking in the local rodeo, which is slated this year for June 19, 20 and 21.
The Jackson County Pro Rodeo is ranked one of the top five small rodeos in the United States by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and people from across the Midwest come to enjoy the unique three-day event, which is filled with cowboys, cowgirls, food, music and wholesome fun.
The Pro Rodeo runs for three evenings at the Bellevue Horsemen’s Club arena and grounds west of Bellevue just off the Bellevue-Cascade Road. Gates open at 5 p.m. each evening with rodeo action beginning at 7:30 p.m.
A free Kid’s Corral also takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. each evening.
This year, the rodeo is celebrating its 37th year, in conjunction with the 62nd year of the Bellevue Horseman’s Club, whose members organize the annual event, which draws thousands to its arena outside Bellevue.
Families bring their lawn chairs and blankets to line the hill at the Bellevue Horseman’s Club, overlooking the arena and listen to veteran rodeo announcer Roger Mooney.
Following a kick-off party Wednesday when All-Around Jr. Cowboy and Little Miss Rodeo are crowned for 2025, Thursday is a great night to bring the whole family and officially kicks off all the great rodeo action and competition with bronc and bull riding, roping and many more exciting events.
A Wild Horse Race will take place Friday and Saturday night, with the winning team taking home $300.
Live music and fireworks will follow the main show all three nights. Bands lined up for the gigs include Bellevue’s own River Moonshine Band on Friday, with Big John Hammer and the Rusty Nails on Saturday.
During the rodeo action, events like steer wrestling and team roping test practical ranching skills, drawing on the county’s rich cattle-breeding tradition. Bernard, Iowa’s Three Hills Rodeo provides stock locally and for rodeos around the nation.
Meanwhile, the big-thrill events like bronc riding and bull-riding draws gasps from the crowd.
Advance tickets are available at Bellevue State Bank, Fidelity Bank in Bellevue, Oly’s Garage in Preston, Premier Home Furnishings in Clinton, all Theisen’s locations and The Car Wash in Bellevue.
