2022 Grants Wild West Days Rodeo

Above, a barrel racer at last year's Wild West Days Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The dates for the Grants Wild West Days Rodeo have been announced.

From the Rodeos USA website:

NSPRA Grants Rodeo

Date

• Jul 2nd – 4th, 2022

Directions

Grants Rodeo Grounds

City/State

Grants, New Mexico

Hours

• Saturday: 7:00pm
• Sunday: 9:00am
• Monday: 2:00pm

Events

• Barrels
• Bull Riding
• Calf Roping
• Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping
• Ribbon Roping
• Saddle Bronc Riding
• Steer Wrestling
• Team Roping

Sanction

• NSPRA

Grants Wild West Days Rodeo

Above, after arriving at the rodeo grounds, I wandered around the horse stalls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This evening, I took a little jaunt over to Grants (about 45 miles away) for their Wild West Days Rodeo.

The rodeo started yesterday and continues through tomorrow. We had some rain during the start of the evening's events.

This evening (while I was there) consisted of "mutton bustin'" sheep riding by children in the 3 to 5 years of age. It is somewhat surprising that kids (boys and girls) that young are tough enough to endure such an activity, but they seemed to enjoy it.

Later, the program consisted of steer riding by youngsters a little older.

The opening ceremonies honored our armed forces as well as law enforcement. Among the law enforcement participants was Cibola County Sheriff (Grants is in Cibola County) Tony Mace. Sheriff Mace later came by in the bleachers and we chatted for a bit. He was with a group nearby and the topic of discussion was Gov. Lujan Grisham, he said.

Considering that most, if not all, rodeos in Gallup (at Red Rock Rodeo Arena) have been cancelled, I figured this would be my big chance to see a rodeo this season.

I brought along my old Canon Powershot camera since it has a good zoom lens. I took a few photos and they are below:

Above, one of the horses I was able to get a view of. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the horse stalls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a handsome palomino. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the tack vendor's display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the tack vendor had some rugs for sale. I bought one for the living room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the back of the rodeo arena bleachers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the snack bar. I had a very good chili dog. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the rodeo arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another view of the rodeo arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, performers from Grants High School. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the salute to law enforcement during opening ceremonies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Sheriff Tony Mace seems to be out of uniform. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a girl hanging onto her sheep for dear life. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the steer-riding event. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, an airborne participant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this participant held on for a good score. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the tack vendor's trailer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, outside of the rodeo arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this participant's ride was about to come to an end. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Grants Wild West Days Rodeo

Since the dry conditions are discouraging fireworks in the area, I plan on going to Grants this weekend for their Wild West Days Rodeo.

Here's their flyer: