2023 Gallup Area Rodeos

Above, the 2022 WildThing Championship Bull Riding. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last evening, I decided to head over to the El Rancho Hotel & Motel for some chicken enchiladas. Before going into the restaurant, I spotted some Gallup Visitor's Guide booklets on the front desk. Since they were free, I took one and headed over to the restaurant. 

Inside the guide, is a page of 2023 rodeo events to be held at Red Rock Park. The list is not complete as it doesn't include surrounding areas that also hold rodeos. While there, I added the rodeos to my phone's calendar.

I did some digging this morning and added a few more. This blog posting will be updated when more information is available.

To me, rodeo season is the best time of the year to live in the Gallup, New Mexico area.

Above, 2022 Best of the Best Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thus far, here's a list of rodeos to be held at Red Rock Park and surrounding areas:

NMHSRA/NMJHRA Rodeo - April 22-23.

Gallup Lions Club Youth Rodeo - June 15.

73rd Annual Gallup Lions Club Open Show Rodeo - June 16-17.

USTRC/Red Rock Classic Team Roping - May 13-14.

8th Annual Best of the Best Rodeo - June 21-June 24.

NSPRA Grants Wild West Days Rodeo (Grants, NM) - June 30-July 4.

Route 66  Showdown NTR Team Roping - TBA.

Navajo Nation Fair (Window Rock, AZ) - July 2-4.

WildThing Championship Bull Riding - July 7-8.

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial -  August 4 - 13, 2023.

Turquoise NTR Team Roping Event - TBA.

First Rodeo This Year

Above, the calf roping event at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After a cold night last night, we're enjoying come comfortable 60° temperatures.

I went over to Red Rock Park for the state finals for the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association/New Mexico Junior High School Rodeo Association. I went to their state finals last year and had a great time. This year's was no different. This is one great spectator sport. The contestants were boys and girls.

Above, the rodeo arena snack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I spent about a couple of hours watching several events of the high school contestants. This evening, it will be the junior high contestants. There will be more events tomorrow. It is well worth coming out for. Where else can you enjoy a sport for free these days? I even received a free patch!

Above, a shot of my mostly-devoured quesadilla that Asya requested. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After watching, I headed over to the snack bar and bought myself some lemonade and chicken quesadillas. While at the snack bar, I was chatting with Asya (in St. Petersburg, Russia) and mentioned the chicken quesadillas. She asked me to send a photo. I did, but I also told her there wasn't much left. She said the photo still reminded her of them. She said she misses those and tacos.

I will probably come back this evening or tomorrow.

Of course, I brought along my camera and took some photos.

Here's some more: