Opening day kicks off for Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
Celeste Springer
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — Tuesday, July 8, marks the official kick-off for the 84th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
PRORODEO champions from across North America will be in town competing for over $1 million in payouts.
World Champions and Team roping duo Wesley Thorp and Tyler Wade are among the top names in the sport, both here in Colorado Springs this week, chasing another title.
The duo gave KRDO13 more insight into their sport on the opening day with Tyler Wade saying, “I nod or call for the cow, and that’s when they open the gate. And I go out there and I head the steer and turn him left. And then Wesley comes in.” His partner, Wesley Thorp, finished the explanation by saying, “He’s like the quarterback. He dictates the run, sets it up. So I’ve got to just finish the run out basically. He sets it up and I try to finish it.”
The duo will compete in multiple rounds this week, with the NFR open finals set for Saturday night.
The rodeo dates back to 1937, and although it has been hosted in various venues over the years, Norris Penrose has been its home for two decades.
The rodeo is also a fundraiser that supports military families through emergency aid, holiday assistance, and deployment programs. Officials say the fundraiser has raised more than a million dollars over the years.
In addition to all the classics like barrel racing and steer wrestling, there are a variety of other events like live performances. The Pikes Peak Rangerettes will be performing each evening.
“We’ll be performing our high-speed precision drill, and it’s definitely not something you want to miss, said Pikes Peak Rangerettes Captain Kaylee Gripentrog.
@krdo__13 Don’t miss the Rangerettes at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo! Read more on the festivities on the KRDO website. #rodeo #rangerettes #pikespeakorbust #coloradosprings #colorado ♬ original sound – KRDO13
Tickets for the rodeo can be found here.