From July 19 through July 24, rodeo fans and Western athletes from far and wide will gather at the arena at State Fair Park in Salt Lake City, Utah for the annual Days of ’47 Rodeo 2018. A select number of cowboys and cowgirls are invited to compete for the coveted gold medal and the chance to win $744,000 in the One Million Dollar Rodeo. Funds raised during the event benefit a variety of local charitable efforts to include the education of the state’s youth.
History of the Days of 47
The One Million Dollar Rodeo was established in commemoration of the Mormon pioneers who arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The rodeo began a decade later. The hardships, struggles and determination of the people serve as an inspiration for modern-day pioneers to have courage in the face of adversity in order to fulfill a dream.
Rodeo Events
The Cowboy Games & Rodeo adopts an Olympic type format in that event winners receive bronze, silver and gold medals along with $50,000. Otherwise, spectators have the chance to witness Western athlete participate in many traditional competitions. Athletes invited to compete in 2018 include:
Bareback riding-Wyatt Denny, Tim O’Connell, Tanner Phipps
Barrel racing-Hailey Kinsel, Kelly Tovar, Lisa Lockhart
Bull riding-Sage Kimzey, Tyler Bingham, Ty Wallace
Team roping-Jr. headers Dees, Tom Richards and healers Tyler McKnight, Kyle Lockett
Tie-down roping-Tuf Cooper, Trevor Brazile, Ryle Smith
Additional Activities
Along with the One Million Dollar Rodeo, guests night take little ones to the Young Living Farms Family Fun Zone. The location will also have Native American and pioneer encampments, the chance to ride mechanical bulls, a petting zoo, a carnival and various vendors. Future rodeo stars have the option of competing in the mutton busting competition.
July 20-21
Pioneer Day Concert at the LDS Conference Center-8:00 P.M.
July 21
First Encampment Hike-7:00 A.M.
Youth Parade downtown-10:00 A.M.
Days of 47 Real Salt Lake Academy Family Festival at the City-County Building-10:00 A.M.
Tickets
Admission tickets for the rodeo tickets are available for $14.00.
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and Darkhorse Benefits and Operation Guardian (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
