Tri-State Rodeo celebrates 75th year in Fort Madison starting Saturday; event continues through Sept. 9

FORT MADISON, Iowa — The 75th Tri-State Rodeo kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 2, with four days of pre-rodeo activities that lead to four nights of rodeo and music inside C.E. Richards Arena. 

Pre-rodeo activities include the Fort Madison YMCA Stockyard Stampede (5K), Pee Wee Barrels, a chili supper, Lil’ Spurs Rodeo, Little Miss Rodeo and All-Around Cowboy, a pancake breakfast, pulled pork dinner, and the Special Kids Rodeo. Entry to the pre-rodeo activities requires the purchase of a rodeo button ($7), which can be bought at many area businesses, including the rodeo ticket office.  

Rodeo activities include four nights of world-class rodeo competition, including the Jim Bair/RAM Chute-Out, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. 

Musical performances on the Jack Daniel’s Main Stage will be by Ian Munsick, Chris Janson, Alabama and Riley Green, as well as after-party shows in the Bud Light Stockyard by The Tank Anthony Band, Bootcut and Stumptown. 

The Tri-State Rodeo Parade, set for Saturday, Sept. 9, will have more than 1,000 horses and riders. 

Tickets are required for each night and include admission to all scheduled events for that day (including both the rodeo and concerts). Wednesday night and Friday night tickets are likely to sell out before the event.

In the case of a sellout, a limited amount of “General Admission – Standing Room Only” tickets will be offered. These tickets will not come with seating in the arena but will allow for access inside the grounds. Ticket holders will enjoy the vendors as well as the big-screen TVs that will show the rodeo inside the Bud Light Stockyard. Once the rodeo is over, the gates to the arena will be opened. All ticket holders will be allowed onto the dirt to get in front of the stage for the concerts.

There will be food and drink vendors, retail vendors, and many interactive activities as well.

Each night of the rodeo will be hosted by Boyd Polhamus, four-time Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, and 10-time PRCA Clown of The Year Justin Rumford. Also performing will be Cowboy Kenny, a high-flying freestyle motocross rider who has won 10 medals at the X Games and Gravity Games and seven world championships, including the Van’s Triple Crown and Dew Tours.

A full list of activities, a schedule, and more can be found at www.tristaterodeo.org. 

Parking is available at the arena, but during the rodeo (Sept. 6-9), free shuttle buses will be running regularly from Connection Bank, Cobblestone Inn and Suites, Baxter Sports Complex and Quality Inn and Suites. Busses will run from 5 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday & Thursday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

For questions on what is allowed on the grounds, visit the FAQ page on www.tristaterodeo.org.