Competing for an Olympic Medal, Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo 2023!

If you have ever been to a rodeo then you know that most of the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls are competing for a check and a buckle. But at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo, they’re competing for the gold and a share of $562,500 in prize money. This is the only gold medal rodeo in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) where they will be awarding average winners Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, produced by OC Tanner. OC Tanner is the same company that made the Olympic medals in 2002.

Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo 2023 will mark the 8th non-consecutive year in history to award Olympic medals. The first two times were presented in 1988 in conjunction with the Olympic winter games in Calgary and again in 2002 in Salt Lake City. 

Prior to the rodeo starting there will be a free concert with headliner Chris Petersen on July 15th at 7 pm, located at the Olympic Plaza at the Gateway. Attire being B.Y.O.B (bring your own boots) and have a blast dancing. There will also be plenty of attractions during the rodeo such as a Native American Encampment, where the Lakota Tribe will be performing tribal dances as well as educating others on their culture. A pioneer camp will be set up as well displaying handmade tools and custom weaving,  families will be present who were a part of the 1997 reenactment of the wagon trail from Mississippi to Utah. 

A new event that will be taking place this year is the Charro Encampment performed by Felix Santana, a third-generation dancing horse trainer who performs at pro rodeos all over. Santana will be performing on his Andalusian Stallion named Romano. A show you do not want to miss!

This will be the perfect event for all ages! One free pony ride will be available for children under the age of 12 and if you’re feeling brave a mechanical bull will be set up for free rides. As well as a Texas Longhorn display where you and the family can take pictures with real-life longhorn cattle.

The young guns rodeo will be happening at the Oakley Recreational Arena July 19th-22nd. Young Cowboys and Cowgirls from the ages of 6-18 years old will be competing and will be announced on the arena floor during the nightly performance. The mutton busting will be taking place in the main arena during the performance. A total of 8 riders a night from the ages of 3 to 6 years old. 

Make sure to get your tickets for you and the family for the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo 2023, a link will be attached with ticket info and pricing! $10 parking will be available on a first come first serve basis at the Utah Fairpark. Remember that you’re not just making memories with your friends and family but you are also supporting the PRCA and all the small businesses that have helped make this possible.