Rodeo promises thrills and spills

DAVENPORT – The Lincoln County Rodeo returns to the fairgrounds for two nights, Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24.

Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Friday night is designated “Purple Night” to bring awareness to pancreatic cancer.

Attendees are asked to wear purple in honor of Gerry Stiles, a 30-year member of the Lincoln County Fair Board who passed away in 2019.

Saturday night is “Military Night.”

Stiles’ granddaughter Elly Bageant, who serves as Miss High School Rodeo Washington, will kick the Friday show off by carrying the Pancreatic Cancer Awareness flag during the grand entry.

Pre-rodeo activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with mutton bustin’ for children ages 6 and younger.

Following that, competitors from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Canada will compete in open rodeo events that include bareback, saddle bronc, ranch bronc, bull riding, breakaway, chute dogging, barrel racing and team roping.

In addition, the Tough Enough Equestrian Drill Team from Colville will perform both nights.

“Spectators are in for a night of wholesome entertainment,” Friends of the Fair president Bryce Bailey said. “When you’ve got three brains going all at once, the animals, the cowboys and the judges, anything can happen.”

Entry to the rodeo is free with a paid fair admission.

“People better arrive early,” Bailey said. “Last year it was standing room only.”