Cattlemen’s Days
2024 PRCA RODEO
July 11th, 12th, 13th, 2024
124 Years Strong! Each year Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days celebrates the rich history and traditions of the ranching culture. Each July, this tradition puts on the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos”, an event staged by our committee, volunteers, and the community for Professional Rodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls and the people who love to watch them.
Schedule
Cattlemen’s Days Events: Cattlemen’s Days Rodeos, 4-H & FFA, Watershed, Horse Show, Parade, and Carnival dates.
Tickets
Step right up and get your Cattlemen’s Days Tickets! Online and in-person options. Carnival info. Tickets go on sale in June.
Parade Entries
Join the fun! Enter your float or group in the Cattlemen’s Days Parade. Entries open in May.
Gunnison rodeo earns honor
Cattlemen’s Days receives Sowing Good Deeds award in Vegas
Thank You Sponsors!
Keeping Tradition Alive
Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo
124 Years Strong
Welcome to the 2024 Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo, the longest continuous rodeo in Colorado and the fourth longest in the nation. From rodeo in the streets in 1900 to the present fairgrounds, we are proud to put on the best showcase of the rich Western history and traditions that made the Gunnison Valley what it is today. From our dynamic 4H programs, horse shows, entertainment, and parade all the way through the best PRCA rodeo around, Gunnison is the place to be in July! Nationally recognized as a Top 5 Medium-sized rodeo, Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo brings in the very best cowboys and cowgirls each and every year. Our award-winning announcer, stock contractor, comedy acts, and others, work together to bring a show you do not want to miss. We are proud to present 3 nights of rodeo celebrating Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink on Thursday, our Patriot Night Rodeo on Friday, and the Ranchland Conservation Legacy Rodeo on Saturday. We couldn’t do this without our amazing rodeo committee, countless volunteers, and a very supportive community. These volunteers work tirelessly to provide the best experience for all.
I encourage you to make plans to be in Gunnison in July to be a part of our 124th Cattlemen’s Days Celebration!
Brad Tutor
President
Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo
PARADE ENTRIES
Join the Fanfare!
Click here for the parade entry form, times, and regulations.
HORSE SHOW
83 Years of Horsemanship
Put your skills to the test in the Open Horse Show. Click here for an entry form, fee information, classes, and deadline dates.
Cattlemen’s Days Social Networks
Cattlemen’s Days, a Rich Gunnison Valley Tradition
The rodeo started out in the 1800’s between spring calving and summer haying, a time when area ranchers took a break to test their skills with riding and roping contests on Main Street. In the early years, the event added horse races and tried out various names such as Pioneer Days and the Helldorado Stampede. By 1901, the celebration came under the sponsorship of the Gunnison Valley Stockgrowers Association and the rodeo officially adopted the name “Cattlemen’s Days.”
Between 1913 and 1928, the rodeo and race events moved to the campus of Colorado Normal School, now Western State Colorado University, using the school’s track and stands. The celebration moved back downtown from 1929 to 1936. When the Cattlemen’s Days Association was created, it built facilities at the current site.
Check out the Gunnison County Library’s archive of Cattlemen’s Days memorabilia.
Cattlemen’s Days
The Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos
By Doug and Mary Lou Nemanic
What’s Your Cattlemen’s Days Story?
Cattlemen’s Days has been a big part of Gunnison heritage for over 120 years. We are looking for historical photos, videos, and personal recollections of past Cattlemen’s Days events to feature on this website and social media. There is so much to share! Were you in the parade? Did you or your kids participate in 4-H events? Did you watch friends compete? We want to hear about it! Use our contact form to share your story.
2024 Cattlemen's Days
Final schedule will be posted late spring.
SAT, JULY 3-6 - Carnival at the Fairgrounds
FRI, JULY 5 - 4-H Horse Show
SAT, JULY 6 - Ranch Rodeo
SUN, JULY 7 - Open Horse Show
WED, JULY 10 - Watershed Team Roping & Barrel Races
THU, JULY 11 - 9:00 AM, PRCA Rodeo Slack Events
THU, JULY 11 - 6:30 PM, Rodeo Pre-Show
THU, JULY 11 - 7:00 PM, PRCA Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo
THU, JULY 11 - 9:00 PM, Cattlemen's Days Concert at 5B's
FRI, JULY 12 - 6:30 PM, Rodeo Pre-Show
FRI, JULY 12 - 7:00 PM, PRCA Patriot Night Rodeo
SAT, JULY 13 - 10:00 AM, Cattlemen's Days Parade
SAT, JULY 13 - Buyers BBQ, Scholarship, Cattlemen's Junior Livestock Auction
SAT, JULY 13 - 6:30 PM, Rodeo Pre-Show
SAT, JULY 13 - 7:00 PM, PRCA Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy Rodeo
SUN, JULY 14 - 9:00 AM, Cowboy Church at the Fairgrounds
4-H EVENT DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED
JULY - 4-H Dog Show, 4-H General Projects Awards Review
JULY - 4-H General Projects displayed at Fairgrounds
JULY - 4-H Rabbit Show
JULY - 4-H & FFA Swine Show
JULY - 4-H & FFA Sheep Show
JULY - 4-H & FFA Goat Show
JULY - 4-H & FFA Cattle Show
JULY - 4-H & FFA Round Robin Showmanship