USA TODAY 10Best
Davie Pro Rodeo named Best Rodeo
Best Rodeo (2021)
The professional sport of rodeo was born from real cattle-herding practices of Spain, Australia and the Americas. Today, these tests of skill and speed are most closely associated with the American West, though rodeo events are hosted throughout the continent.
The ten best rodeos are as follows:
Photo courtesy of iStock / jlophoto
No. 10: Silver Spurs Rodeo - Kissimmee, Fla.
The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi began as a small gathering of ranchers in 1941. Today, the event includes traditional rodeo competitions, as well as a parade and Miss Silver Spurs competition.
Photo courtesy of Molly Morrow Photography / The Ellensburg Rodeo
No. 9: Ellensburg Rodeo - Ellensburg, Wash.
The Ellensburg Rodeo is part of the Kittitas County Fair, and attendees can enjoy both with a single rodeo ticket. In addition to the PRCA Pro Rodeo, the event includes carnival and midway rides, live music, a Western parade, pancake breakfast and cowboy church.
Photo courtesy of Lone S Photography
No. 8: Dodge City Roundup Rodeo - Dodge City, Kansas
The Dodge City Roundup Rodeo celebrates cowboy culture each year with a packed schedule of horse shows, roping contests and rodeo action. The event is also home to one of the country’s longest-running Little Britches Rodeos geared toward young competitors.
Photo courtesy of Tucson Rodeo
No. 7: La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros - Tucson
The Tucson Rodeo, a.k.a. La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, has grown into a 9-day event since its establishment in 1925. The rodeo features current and former PRCA cowboys and cowgirls from around the U.S. and Canada competing in several different events, as well as the world’s longest non-motorized parade.
Photo courtesy of Jenn Byrne / Pendleton Round-Up
No. 6: Pendleton Round-Up - Pendleton, Ore.
At the heart of the Pendleton Round-Up’s week-long schedule of events is the rodeo with events like bareback bronc, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer roping, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. Festival goers also enjoy a parade through Pendleton, Tipi Village, live music and other family friendly entertainment.
Photo courtesy of San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
No. 5: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo - San Antonio
More than two million spectators come to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each year, an event that’s been taking place since 1949. Attractions during the event include a carnival, pig races, trail rides, a Western heritage parade, cowboy church, petting zoo and a rodeo with more than $1.5 million in prize money.
Photo courtesy of Nebraska Tourism
No. 4: NEBRASKAland Days - North Platte, Neb.
There’s a little bit of everything at NEBRASKAland Days, including a carnival, competitive art show, Western revue stage show, mutton busting, prime rib sandwich, concerts and the PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo inside the Wild West Arena.
Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Monterey County Herald, Orville Myers
No. 3: California Salinas Rodeo - Salinas, CA
The California Rodeo Salinas began as a Wild West show in 1911 and today is the "largest and most popular rodeo in California." The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit at the Salinas Sports Complex will hold its ProRodeo Tour finale this year. Events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, team and tie-down roping, and barrel racing.
Photo courtesy of Miller Photo / World's Oldest Rodeo
No. 2: World's Oldest Rodeo - Prescott, Ariz.
The World's Oldest Rodeo takes place during Prescott Frontier Days – a Fourth of July Weekend tradition dating back to 1888. Events include wild horse racing, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc, team roping, bull riding and barrel racing, as well as specialty rodeo performances.
Photo courtesy of David Rosenfield / Davie Pro Rodeo
No. 1: Davie Pro Rodeo - Davie, Fla.
Often considered Florida’s best rodeo, the Davie Pro Rodeo takes place in “Cowboy Town” with plenty of rodeo action, as well as a vendor marketplace and activities for kids in attendance. The Round Up Nightclub hosts an official rodeo after-party for the chance to meet some of the week’s stars.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning rodeos!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
James Raia
A journalist since 1976, James Raia writes a... Read More
A journalist since 1976, James Raia writes a syndicated weekly columnist in Sacramento, Calif., for Bay Area News Group. He also produces a weekly automotive podcast and newsletter, both free and available via signups on TheWeeklyDriver.com. The independent website has been online since 2004. Contact him via email: james@jamesraia.com.
James Raia
A journalist since 1976, James Raia writes a syndicated weekly columnist in Sacramento, Calif., for Bay Area News Group. He also produces a weekly automotive podcast and newsletter, both free and available via signups on TheWeeklyDriver.com. The independent website has been online since 2004. Contact him via email: james@jamesraia.com.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.