This year marks the 42nd Annual Gilbert Days Rodeo, and it is a truly unique experience. Each year Gilbert Days mark the anniversary of the paving of Gilbert Road and includes the rodeo, dance, parade, and carnival. The main event, the rodeo, starts November 18th and runs through November 20th at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona. This year the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association (GCPRA) Finals is the main event which means the best of Arizona rodeo are gathering to compete for the title of All Around Cowboy or Cowgirl!
The Gilbert Promotional Corporation graciously partnered with the GCPRA to put on a final like no other. Buckles are awarded to the winners of each go-around and the average, plus All Around Cowboy and Cowgirl. On top of that, All Around winners will also receive a saddle! The Gilbert Promotional Corporation (GPC) was founded in 1978 by a group of Gilbert business people and ranchers to uphold western heritage and values. The GPC is committed to promoting the Town of Gilbert and keeping its western roots at the forefront. It does so through this rodeo and many other activities throughout the year.
Gilbert Days Royalty are a considerable part of this event, and they travel throughout the state to various rodeos to represent their title. This year’s queen is Anna Butler, who currently attends Central Arizona College and has been a horse enthusiast from a young age. With a lifetime of showing horses, she is no stranger to western life and represents Gilbert Days Rodeo and its ideals well. Raylen Riggs, Gilbert Days Teen Queen, has Arizona and western values quite literally running through her veins. She is a fourth-generation Arizona native and sister to the current Miss Rodeo Arizona. And last, but certainly not least, is the Gilbert Days Rodeo Princess, Miss Kialyn Armstrong. Not only does she work hard to fulfill the duties of her current title, but she is committed to her barrel racing and working her way to the top. She loves the sport of rodeo and works hard to promote it.
Don’t forget to check out the Lil’ Dudes Rodeo, where competitors ages 4-7 compete to see who can ride the rankest sheep for the longest time. If your little cowboy or cowgirl is interested, get to the grounds early on November 18th as entries are taken upon walk up, and it’s first come, first serve. Competitors will also have a shot on the other two days of the rodeo. For the older kids with a little more experience, check out the Youth Steer Riding, which is new to the rodeo this year. Space is limited and open to ages 8-12. Contestants do need to preregister and must bring their own equipment.
Grab your tickets now, as they will sell out. Not only will you enjoy watching the toughest event on dirt, but there is also a full lineup of vendors you don’t want to miss. November 18th is when everything kicks off, with the performance starting at 7 pm with doors opening at 5 pm. November 19th sees gates opening at 3:00 pm with the performance kicking off at 5:00 pm, and the final day, November 20th, opens up at noon and the show starts at 2:00 pm.
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