Beauty of Northwest Wilderness: Trip to Ellensburg Fair and Rodeo

Established in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo is now officially one of the top ten professional rodeos in the United States. Drawing more than 600 of the finest ropers, wrestlers and riders, the event embodies rodeo at its very best and has become a cherished local tradition.

In addition to the traditional rodeo events, guests can attend the coinciding county fair, indulge in carnival eats and attend a parade held in downtown Ellensburg.

Ellensburg Fair Parade, 09/02/2017

Ellensburg Fair, 09/02/2017

Ellensburg Rodeo

Ellensburg Rodeo Ceremony, 09/02/2017

Steer roping

Steer Roping showcases the combination of horsemanship and roping talent. That's a common technique that many cowboys and ranchers use when they are out in open pasture without the luxury of fences or pens.

Steer Roping, Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/02/2017

Tie-down roping

Tie-down roping, is also called calf roping. It's a rodeo event that features a calf and a rider mounted on a horse. The goal of this timed event is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a loop of rope from a lariat around its neck, dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together, in as short a time as possible.

Tie-down roping, Ellensburg rodeo, 09/02/2017

Steer Wrestling

Steer wrestling, Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/02/2017

Barrel Riding

Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. It is primarily a rodeo event for women. It combines the horse's athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of a rider in order to safely and successfully ride around the barrels.

Barrel racing in Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/03/2017

Barrel racing in Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/02/2017

Bareback Riding

Bareback riding is a form of horseback riding without a saddle. It requires rider's skill, balance, and coordination.

Saddle Bronc riding, Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/02/2017

Saddle Bronc Riding

Saddle Bronc riding, Ellensburg Rodeo, 09/02/2017

Bull Riding

As a rodeo sport, bull riding involves a rider getting on a bucking bull and attempting to stay mounted while the animal attempts to buck off the rider. Here are some excellent moments in this rodeo.