Five Ways to Get Involved in the 2023 Reno Rodeo
RENO, Nev. – Only the top athletes of the PRCA and WPRA compete in the heart-thumping action in the outdoor arena. Luckily for Reno Rodeo fans who want to get their boots dirty, there are several ways to get involved ahead of the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” set for June 15–24, 2023.
Miss Reno Rodeo – Application due March 31
The search for the 2024 Miss Reno Rodeo is on. This year’s Miss Reno Rodeo pageant offers contestants the exciting opportunity to compete for the coveted position of goodwill ambassador of the 2024 Reno Rodeo. Women between the ages of 19-25 with a passion for horsemanship, travel and rodeo culture are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is March 31 and the pageant will be held June 7–9. For more information or to apply, please visit RenoRodeo.com under the Get Involved tab.
Rodeo Idol – Application due April 13
The Reno Rodeo’s “Rodeo Idol” contest is back, giving the songbirds of the community a chance to sing the National Anthem on one night of the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West.” Contestants are asked to submit a YouTube or Vimeo link of themselves singing the anthem to rodeoidol@gmail.com along with a short bio and headshot.
Submissions will be collected through April 13 with finalists announced on April 30. The top finalists will be selected to perform during the 2023 Reno Rodeo. More information can be found under the Events/Entertainment tab on RenoRodeo.com.
Wranglers – Application due May 12
Over the last 100 years, with the help of almost 1,000 volunteers, the Reno Rodeo has become one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world. Every year, the Reno Rodeo Association depends on the hard work and collaboration of its 50+ volunteer committees to put on one of northern Nevada’s largest events.
Those interested in volunteering for the Reno Rodeo, are asked to complete a Wrangler application and submit it to the office with a headshot photo for their Reno Rodeo ID badge and a one-time application fee of $25. Before moving up in the association and being invited to be a member, Wranglers are expected to volunteer for at least two consecutive years and work 40 hours each year. For more information, visit the Reno Rodeo website under Get Involved.
Special Kids’ Reno – Application due May 26
The Special Kids’ Rodeo (SKR) is one of the most popular events at the Reno Rodeo. Open to children and young adults under the age of 18 with physical and mental exceptionalities, this annual event is a fun way for children to experience the cowboy way of life first hand. Participants enjoy riding a “mechanical” bull, roping steer dummies, riding a horse and more.
Applications open on April 1, and the final deadline to apply, space permitting, is May 26, 2023. Space is limited to 40 participants during each of the three sessions. All children are assisted (as needed) into the rodeo area by volunteers of the Reno Rodeo Association. The 2023 Special Kids’ Rodeo will take place on Sunday, June 18 in the Indoor Pavilion Arena. All SKR performances are open to the public; attendees are welcome to come cheer on the participants.
Businessmen’s Steer Decorating – Application due May 31
For anyone who has ever dreamed of participating in the Reno Rodeo but never quite got their big break Businessman’s Steer Decorating (BSD) gives fans a chance to get their boots dirty and experience Reno Rodeo at a whole new level. Entry of $225 will buy a sponsorship that comes with the opportunity to put together a two-person steer decorating team consisting of a mugger (the one that holds the steer) and a tyer (the one ties a ribbon on the steer’s tail). The first team to decorate their steer wins. In addition to the publicity that comes with sponsoring a team, contestants and sponsors will receive Reno Rodeo tickets, a parking pass, nearly five minutes of glory in the famed Reno Rodeo arena and a chance to go home with the highly coveted Reno Rodeo BSD Championship belt buckle.
Sign-ups and performances are assigned on a first come, first served basis and registration closes on May 31. For more information or to fill out the entry form, visit the Reno Rodeo website or email bsd@renorodeo.com.
For more information on all of the ways to get involved in the Reno Rodeo, or to purchase tickets, visit RenoRodeo.com.