June 6 is the 2024 season opener for Carbondale Wild West Rodeo (CWWR). Spurring into its 19th season, everything is coalescing for the best show yet. Compelling specialty acts, exciting action and delicious food vendors all add up to a great night of Western fun for the entire family. And don’t forget the kid events — mutton bustin’ and the calf scramble take place weekly
Last summer, multiple changes were put into place to appease neighbors’, the Town’s and law enforcement’s safety concerns. This summer, there are only a few tweaks and they center around (you guessed it) parking.
Law enforcement will be out in full force to start off the rodeo season. They will be ticketing/towing anyone parked along County Road 100. The rodeo has hired a security company that will have staff patrolling on foot and in automobiles to dissuade folks from attempting to park on the road.
But it’s not all sticks. To help alleviate the issue, a second stop for the free shuttle has been added at the Town’s parking lot at 4th and Colorado, in addition to The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive). The shuttle runs continuously from 6 to 10pm. This should be enticing to those visiting bars and restaurants before or after the performance.
CWWR benefits the community in tangible and intangible ways. Located 1,800 miles west of Washington, D.C. and 850 miles east of Los Angeles, Carbondale sits in the center of this country’s Western heritage (though some local Texans may take umbrage with that statement). Celebrating rodeo reminds us of the skills needed to survive when the United States of America was nascent. How many other modern-day mountain towns are lucky enough to have a cattle drive running through the streets every spring and fall and an amateur rodeo for 12 weeks each summer?
As a nonprofit, CWWR is proud of the financial contribution it makes to the community in the form of donations and scholarships. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink rodeo donates all proceeds to the Calaway-Young Cancer Center, and other beneficiaries are the 4H Club and Roaring Fork Athletic Department.
Last summer, three academic scholarships were awarded to kids who either enter events or volunteer. Recipients for 2023 were Lilly Justice, Tori Parrish and Rusty Gabbard.
Parrish stated, “I grew up in Glenwood Springs and I have been barrel racing at the Carbondale rodeo for about seven years now, all on the same horse, Keeper. I like rodeo not only for the speed and adrenaline, but the lifelong relationships you create with others, including God.”
Parrish attends Colorado State University where she pursues collegiate rodeo and studies agribusiness. “My family has been my rock through all of the hours of practice, trailering, entry fees, tears, triumphs and tribulations. This scholarship helped me work toward my dream of furthering my education and rodeo career,” she stated.
Lilly Justice moved with her family to Snowmass from Virginia when she was 9 years old. “I have only been volunteering this past year, and I hope to do it again this year,” she said. “I love rodeo because it embodies the spirit of the American West. It’s an authentic tradition that the Carbondale Rodeo keeps alive.”
She attends the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder studying real estate. “It was an honor to receive the scholarship. It showed me that they truly care about promoting education and youth involvement to better our community.”
Bull rider Rusty Gabbard attended Colorado Mesa University after meeting rodeo coach and CWWR announcer Branden Edwards. “I was surprised to get an academic scholarship from riding bulls,” he said.
In fact, your child doesn’t have to play a traditional school sport to receive significant financial aid at local colleges and trade schools. Edwards stated, “College rodeo is an amazing tool when used correctly. Kids can gain knowledge that is applicable in the workplace. Having that release point helps them focus, learn time management skills and gives them a reason to keep their grades up. I’m passionate about it because I love seeing kids doing well, moving up and being positive.”
Every Thursday this summer, y’all get to walk out your front door, scoot down the street and steep yourselves in all of this good fun. Aren’t we lucky? Let’s rodeo!

In a nutshell
When: Thursdays, June 6 to Aug. 22. Gates open at 5pm. Grand Entry is at 7:30pm.
Where: Gus Darien Riding Arena, County Road 100
Cost: $15 (children 11 and under are free)
Why: In celebration of Western heritage