Get your kicks on Route 66 for the 37th Annual Kingsmen Andy Divine Pro Rodeo on June 11th and 12th. The rodeo happens in Kingman, Arizona, a true wild west town that exemplifies the true meaning of cowboy: tough, gritty, and passionate. See that spirit and more at all the events throughout the weekend.
Each year, the rodeo is dedicated to Andy Divine, an Arizona native from Flagstaff, an actor, and comic known for his quick wit and distinct, whiny voice. Andy grew up in Kingman, Arizona, where his family owned and operated the Baele Hotel. He then moved back to Flagstaff, where he played football and basketball for Northern Arizona University. Andy accompanied his father to California for a serious medical operation in 1926, which his father did not survive. While trying to figure out what to do next, Andy ended up on Hollywood Boulevard, where he was discovered and put on a film set. Originally thinking his unique voice would hinder his acting career as movies switched from silent to “talkies,” it actually became his trademark. Kingman is rightfully proud of this successful actor and has a main street named after him. The Mohave Museum of History and Arts features an exhibit chronicling his career. He is one of Arizona’s favorite sons, and this rodeo reminds us of this each year!
The group that puts on the rodeo each year is called the Kingsmen. The Kingsmen is a professional group of community-oriented men and women dedicated to preserving the Western Heritage value that stimulated the growth and identity of Kingman, Arizona. The Kingsmen support civic and charitable initiatives to promote Kingman as a highly desirable city for area families and tourists.
Rodeo royalty is a considerable part of most rodeos across our great country, and this one is no different. The 2021-2022 Queen was Naomi Atchley and Teen Queen Zandree Frederickson. These young ladies not only volunteered in their local communities throughout the year but also traveled to numerous rodeos across the state and even ventured to places like Durango, Colorado, to represent their home rodeo. The new queens will carry on the hard work of these queens and those previous to them in the new year.
The big event kicks off on June 11th at 6 pm, with gates opening at 4 pm. The rodeo dance follows the performance, which you won’t want to miss! Slack starts at 9 am. June 12th starts with some faith and worship at 8 am for Cowboy Church. Then gates open at 2 pm for a 4 pm performance.
Don’t forget to check out the mutton bustin’ and the junior barrel race. The junior barrel race slack starts on June 11th at 9 am, with the performance at 6 pm. June 12th for the young racers begins at 12 pm for slack and performance at 4 pm. This is a rodeo for the history books each year so put on your kicks and get! It’s time for the Kingsmen Andy Devine Rodeo!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
You must be logged in to post a comment.