Gilbert, Arizona Celebrates 40 Years of Horsepower and History
Rodeo is a window to the past. For many of the western states, the sport of rodeo and the western lifestyle have played pivotal roles in the foundation of communities that thrive today. Once known as “The Hay Capital of the World,” Gilbert, Arizona was founded on agriculture. Land that once grew acres of hay is now home to new restaurants, bars, and shopping districts. However, as Gilbert expands, one thing holds true and that is Gilbert, Arizona’s western heritage. Today, Gilbert celebrates its rich history each November with the month-long “Gilbert Days” celebration. Festivals, a parade, and the Gilbert Days Rodeo are just a few of the activities community members can attend and participate in. The Gilbert Promotional Corporation (GPC) is the engine behind the vastly successful and popular Gilbert Days Rodeo. Made up entirely of volunteers, this Non-Profit Organization has been organizing, maintaining, and producing the Gilbert Days Rodeo since 1978. This year they are proud to celebrate 40 Years of Horsepower and History.
For the GPC, the Gilbert Days Rodeo is an integral part of Gilbert’s history and is the result of hard work, planning and love for the sport of rodeo all year-round. Having faced trials and tribulations when the original Gilbert Rodeo Grounds were lost in 2011, the GPC persevered and quickly found alternate grounds so that the Gilbert Days Legacy could carry on. As Gilbert, Arizona quickly grows and continues to develop, the GPC is nurturing and keeping Gilbert’s history alive through the annual Gilbert Days Rodeo. As the Gilbert Promotional Corporation Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Gilbert Day’s Rodeo, they are also proud to celebrate the platform, “Kickin’ Up Kindness” created by the 1998 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, Shanda Brady Riggs. Today, Shanda’s daughter Kennadee Riggs is proud to hold the same title her mother did in 1998 as she follows in the footsteps of former Gilbert Days Rodeo Queens by “Kickin’ up Kindness.” The 2018 Gilbert Days Royalty Court includes, The 2018 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen Kennadee Riggs, Rodeo Teen Queen Karlie Brewer, Rodeo Princess Lindsey Brewer, and Rodeo Missy Raylen Riggs. All four members of the royalty court encourage rodeo fans to share their kind deed stories and to always “Kick up Kindness” in everything you do! Kicking off the month-long festivities is the Gilbert Days Pony Express Ride on November 9th and 10th. Just like it was done in the past, riders will travel from city to city to deliver mail across the state of Arizona. Beginning in Gilbert with a commencement ceremony, riders will travel through Sacaton, Stanfield, Casa Grande, Eloy, Coolidge, Florence, and Queen Creek, Arizona. Not only is this a thrilling experience for eligible horsemen and women in the community, but is a perfect example of history preserved to teach our present and future generations. The Gilbert Days 5D Barrel Race will occur at the John Volken Academy on November 10th and is open to all riders. As for the Gilbert Days Rodeo, this three-day event will occur November 16th, 17th, and 18th at the John Volken Academy located at 26601 South Val Vista Drive, Gilbert, Arizona 85298. Each Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association (GCPRA) Performance will be jam-packed with the most exciting rodeo entertainment that the entire family can enjoy. For the little cowboys and cowgirls in the family, a ‘Lil Dudes Rodeo will be held each day before the main rodeo performance on November 16th, 17th. The ‘Lil Dudes finals will take place in the main rodeo arena on the 18th. In addition to thrilling rodeo action and entertaining clown acts, food, drink, and shopping vendors will be present for fans to grab a bite to eat and shop around in between events. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is excited to celebrate this year’s Gilbert Days Rodeo alongside the Gilbert Promotional Corporation. We hope you will join us in celebrating 40 years of Horsepower and History!
Taryn Cantrell is an Arizona native who has spent many hours in the rodeo arena. Having grown up barrel racing, serving as the 2017 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen and as a member of the Cowgirls Historical Foundation, Taryn is passionate about her western heritage and all things rodeo. When she’s not on horseback, Taryn can be found playing her bass guitar, painting, and performing around Phoenix with her band. Taryn is a graduate of Arizona State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. Taryn is proud to combine her love of the arts with her love of rodeo and has been honored to sing The National Anthem at various rodeos across the beautiful state of Arizona. Alongside her love for art and music, preserving her western heritage and promoting the sport of rodeo are just two of Taryn’s many passions. Taryn is so honored to share her love of rodeo with Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s wonderful audience.
