Yuma County Fair and Rodeo Updates
The Yuma County Fair and PRCA Rodeo have long been cherished events for both the competitors and the audience in northeastern Colorado. Since 1915, they’ve brought excitement to the area. The rodeo, in particular, is a focal point where participants showcase their talents and draw in large crowds. Interestingly, the town has welcomed a new stock contractor for the first time in over three decades.
This year, Smith Pro Rodeo becomes the 11th PRCA stock contractor. Originating from Athens, Texas, they made their first appearance in Yuma during the first weekend of August 2024. With their arrival, both participant entries and attendance have seen a noticeable rise.
Smith Pro Rodeo is also scheduled to provide stock for the Gunnison PRCA Rodeo in Colorado, as well as for the Cattlemen era and the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming just the week prior. Remarkably, Yuma will be the concluding stop for Smith Pro Rodeo’s summer season in 2025.
Historical Background
The Yuma County Fair and Rodeo’s origins date back to the 1880s, starting in Ray, Colorado, located about 27 miles east of Yuma. Initially hosted at the Old Sod Hotel, the fair started incorporating parades, horse races, and barbecues by 1889. However, at a time when farmers and ranchers faced challenges, interest dwindled, and enthusiasm faded. In the early 1900s, the event moved westward to its current location at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. By the 1940s and early 1950s, the fairgrounds underwent modernization, featuring permanent rodeo facilities and grandstands, revitalizing daily rodeo events amid a racetrack and livestock arenas. Today, the Yuma County PRCA Rodeo has transformed from simple wooden chutes to a professional rodeo venue.
Recent Developments
Adam Gates, a Yuma County Commissioner who grew up in the region, recalls that the Selvi Rodeo Company was formerly the county’s stock contractor. “I became a new commissioner during the transition,” he reflects, noting he wasn’t fully aware of the behind-the-scenes efforts until he assumed the role. He mentions that a fair board committee is working diligently to implement improvements, aiming to provide top-notch amenities and livestock for competitors while enhancing the overall experience for local residents and spectators.
Cassidee Rogers, the chairman of the Yuma County Rodeo and a lifelong resident, shares, “This community means everything to me. Each year, we strive to surpass the previous event.” On the Rodeo Committee, she engages with contestants, seeking their feedback to elevate the standards of the rodeo. The event is also known for its warm hospitality, featuring Chuck Wagon Hospitality Tents for PRCA members.
Rogers expresses her commitment, saying, “I’ll be full when I leave Yuma!” Her efforts have led to meaningful changes, including the installation of a new backing chute six years ago that enhances safety for both cowboys and livestock. Additionally, they are steadily increasing prize money through various contributions.
The Yuma County Rodeo has been nominated for the Small PRCA Rodeo of the Year eight times, with their recent nomination highlighting the Mountain States Circuit’s most refined rodeo. The community has embraced these changes, appreciating the attendance and feedback following Smith Pro Rodeo’s debut. The quality of livestock has notably improved, and the voices of contestants are recognized. The Rodeo, it seems, is set to flourish and continue its legacy in Yuma, Colorado. Cassidee credits the event’s success to its sponsors and a dedicated volunteer base.
