Jackson Hole Rodeo
Written By: Leisa Wilson
Photos By: Richard Johnson
Photos By: Richard Johnson
The History
Jackson Hole’s Rodeo has been a part of the Wyoming Cowboy Heritage since even before the town itself was incorporated in 1914.
Four Jackson settlers, Jack Enyon, Pierce Cunningham, T Lloyd and Roy Van Vleck, came together with fellow neighbors and began contests of who could rope and ride broncos with the fastest times. By 1911, it had become an honest to goodness rodeo complete with a grandstand and racetrack and held annually for the first 3 days of Sept.
Early on Belle Flanders, sister of John and Jess Worts, donated approximately 40 acres in the valley to use as a park and rodeo. This however was short-lived when in the 1930’s, heirs to her estate reclaimed the land and the town of Jackson purchased 25 acres which is still home to the Rodeo today and aptly named Frontier Park.
Phillip Wilson and his family are third generation who run the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Back starting with Chet Wheeldon who rode broncos and Uncles Chet and Clancy continued this tradition riding bareback and saddle bronc horses. The Wilson boys and cousins remain true to this cowboy way and follow suit riding broncs and 2 of the Wilsons, Buskin and Cody bull riding.
Photos By: Richard Johnson
Photos By: Richard Johnson
A Family Affair
I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the Wilsons, Brandon Wilson, and when asked what made Jackson Hole Rodeo unique from other rodeos, Brandon explained the goal of theirs is for everyone-attendees, competitors and employees - to have fun. However immeasurable this is, it does remain multifaceted. Approximately 75% of the fans have never seen a rodeo before and to have the whole crowd up in their seats clapping and cheering makes a powerful lasting impression.
An important element to this rodeo community is to get the younger generation involved safely in the competition. They have stock animals on hand who will fit the riders’ capabilities from amateur all the way to pro. It is important that all who want to be involved are able to at the Jackson Hole Rodeo.
Partnering with his dad Phillip and brothers Bodee and Buskin, the role of family is huge in making the rodeo what it is today. From ticketing, secretary and timing, various family members are all on hand to ensure the nights rodeos are running smoothly and to have fun doing it at the same time!
Photos By: Richard Johnson
Photos By: Richard Johnson
Plan Your Experience
Today the Jackson Hole Rodeo will perform rain or shine. You can experience the rodeo every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in July. There are rodeos every Wednesday and Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with special events dispersed throughout. For a special experience attendees can schedule a spot Behind The Chutes for an unclose and personal experience. The rodeo has concessions for those who are hungry and beer is available inside the rodeo grounds.
Details
Hours - Guests can arrive at 7:15 to explore and find seats
Location - 447 Snow King Avenue, Jackson, Wyoming
Contact to schedule Behind The Chutes (307) 413-1371
No backpacks or coolers allowed
Bags are subject to searches
Masks are required.
Hit the Road!
We love attending Wyoming rodeos and were thrilled to include the Jackson Hole Rodeo in our Wyoming Rodeo Roundup. Be sure to post your time at the rodeo on social media and tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
Photos By: Richard Johnson
Photos By: Richard Johnson