The Spirit of the Wild West & Oklahoma Cowboy Culture

The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo promises excitement for the entire family including events like bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and must see performances.

Get ready, Claremore! The much anticipated 79th annual award winning Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is right around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be better than ever. With thrilling competitions, an exciting new specialty act, and family-friendly entertainment, the rodeo remains a staple of Claremore’s rich heritage and a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.

New Additions to the Will Rogers Stampede

PRCA Rodeo One of the standout additions to this year’s rodeo is the Bobby Kerr Mustang Act. “We have a new specialty act this year,” said event organizer, Erin Pegorsch. “It is Bobby Kerr and his Mustang Act.” Kerr is known for his incredible horsemanship and unique performances, making this an act rodeo fans won’t want to miss.

Another exciting change is the steer roping competition, which has been moved to Thursday night in the main arena instead of its previous Saturday morning and afternoon slot. This adjustment ensures that fans see this thrilling event under the arena lights.

This year’s rodeo is partnering with the Frontier Rodeo Company, a 10-time Stock Contractor of the Year. “For the 10th year in a row, they’re the best stock contractor out there,” said Pegorsch. “So we’re glad to be bringing them into the rodeo this year.” This change is expected to bring top-tier livestock and even more exciting action to the arena.

The Claremore Rodeo is a huge economic driver for the town. “It brings people from all over the state and the country into our medium-sized rodeo in Claremore, Oklahoma,” she shared. “It fills the local hotels, and there are events throughout town the entire week leading up to it.”

The rodeo has been a cherished Claremore tradition for nearly eight decades. “This is our 79th year. Next year coincides with the 100th year of Route 66, as it’s our 80th year, and one of our major sponsors, RCB Bank, has its 90th year. So it’ll be a fun celebration of 80, 90, and 100 all at once.”

Family Fun Day at the Rodeo

To keep the next generation engaged in the rodeo, organizers are launching Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 10th. “We will have a Rodeo 101 class hosted by PRCA organizers,” she said. “They will teach our young community about rodeo, show them different techniques, and even provide practice equipment for roping and bull riding.”

The day will also feature a Mutton Bustin’ Qualifier, where junior riders can compete to earn a spot in the pre-rodeo entertainment. And in honor of Mother’s Day weekend, moms can enjoy MOM-mosas at the event.

In addition, a small petting zoo will be set up, and local law enforcement will bring out fire trucks, police cars, and sheriff’s units for kids to explore. “We try to make it truly a full family fun day out at the arena. People can learn more about rodeos, get more comfortable with the arena, and prepare for upcoming performances on Memorial Day weekend.”

For those new to the rodeo experience, organizers recommend arriving early to secure good seats. “Seats aren’t saved,” said Pegorsch. “You’ve got to come early.” Parking will be available at Claremore High School and Robson Performing Arts Center, with shuttles transporting guests to the arena.

Guests can also look forward to a variety of food vendors and concessions. “Our stands accept both cash and card,” she said, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees.

Speciality Acts at the Rodeo

Each night of the rodeo will feature specialty acts, with announcer Scott Grover and barrel man and clown Dusty Myers keeping the energy high. A highlight of the weekend will be the Broken Spokes Clydesdales from Winfield, Kansas. “They’ll be part of our show, and they’ll be out front as people arrive, so you can take pictures with these beautiful, enormous Clydesdale horses.”

The Sunday night performance will honor veterans, with special tributes planned.

Leading up to the main event, Claremore will host its first-ever Cowboy Trade Day on Saturday, May 3rd, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Stampede Arena. Featuring 60 Western trade vendors, live entertainment, and food, the free event is the perfect way to get into the rodeo spirit.

With so much planned, the 79th annual Claremore Rodeo is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Whether you’re here for the thrilling competitions, the specialty acts, or the family fun, one thing is for sure—this rodeo is a celebration of Claremore’s heritage and community spirit. Don’t miss out on all the action under the arena lights!

Tickets Available

• Adult $20; advanced: $18
• Kid $10; advanced: $8
• Veterans & Seniors $18; not available with further discount advanced

Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo Schedule

Saturday, May 3 • Stampede Arena • 8 AM - 6 PM

• Cowboy Trade Day & Ranch Horse Competition
• 60 Western trade vendors
• Free admission & parking
• Food & Western entertainment (songwriters, cowboy poets)

Saturday, May 10–Family Fun Day • 2 PM - 6 PM

• Rodeo 101 Class (2 PM - 4 PM)
• Family activities + Dinner in the Dirt (4 PM - 6 PM)
• Mutton Bustin’ Qualifier (6 PM) • Mom’s Day Out (Mom-mosas lounge)
• Dad’s in the arena Thursday, May 22 • 9 AM - Ladies barrel racing slack
• Boots on the Boulevard & Food Truck Thursday (6 PM, Lilac District)
• 3 PM - Until Finished - Oklahoma’s Richest Steer Roping The Tub Handle Classic ($10,000 added)

Rodeo Nights • Main Arena

Pre-rodeo entertainment at 7 PM, Rodeo Performance at 8 PM

• Friday, May 23–Rodeo Night 1
• Saturday, May 24–Rodeo Night 2
• Sunday, May 25–Rodeo Night 3 (Veterans Night)

Entertainment Lineup

• Specialty Act: Bobby Kerr, Mustang Act
• Announcer: Scott Grover
• Barrelman/Clown: Dusty Myers
• Stock Contractor: Frontier Rodeo Co. (10x Stock Contractor of the Year!)
• Feature: Broken Spokes Clydesdales (Winfield, KS)