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Illinois Rodeos 

Illinois is home to Chicago, one of the nation’s largest cities. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, food, museums, or rolling hills, the Prairie state has something for everyone.

Illinois is also home to some exciting rodeos and fairs.

Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo and Bull Riding

In September, Big Hat Rodeo Co hosts the Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo and Bull Riding. It’s held at the Boone County fairgrounds as part of Big Hat Rodeo’s All In Tour. It’s an exciting event that you won’t want to miss. 

You can see the performance on Friday or Saturday, with eight events each night. There will be bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, team roping, cowgirls barrel racing, and bull riding. Today’s best rodeo contenders compete in the heart pounding action.

The Great Northern Illinois Pro Rodeo and Bull Riding is a celebration of rodeo culture, community, and good times. You can come to the rodeo for the competition, entertainment, food, or the exciting atmosphere. There will be hilarious rodeo clowns, music, vendors, beer, food, kids games, and lots of family fun.

Winnebago County Fair Pro Rodeo

The Winnebago County Fair has been going on for over 100 years. During the fair in August, there’s plenty of excitement and family fun. There’s food, live music, and lots of entertainment.

The Winnebago County Fair also features a Pro Rodeo. Produced by Big Hat Rodeo Co, you’ll see plenty of exciting rodeo action. There will even be a pageant to choose the County Fair Queen.

Illinois State Fair

Every August, you can go to the Illinois State Fair. There will be lots of activities, events and entertainment to enjoy throughout the week.

On Saturday, there’s a rodeo held at the arena in Springfield. Outlaw 5J Rodeo Company hosts the ultimate rodeo experience. This is a traditional, wild, and exciting rodeo. There will be bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and more. With Outlaw 5J Rodeo Company, there are bound to be “empty seats, because we keep the fans on their feet!”

Pioneer City Rodeo

In Palestine, Illinois, you can see the Pioneer City Rodeo. It’s held over Labor Day weekend in a historic city, with lots of fun events going on. There’s an annual labor day parade, food trucks, the main street market, a chuckwagon breakfast, the Miss Rodeo Illinois pageant, and live music. You can even enjoy “Lunch with the Clowns,” and a drone show after the rodeo performance.

During this weekend full of fun, there are three full nights of professional rodeo. Started over 70 years ago, the Pioneer City Rodeo is the premier western style rodeo in the downstate region. The Pioneer City Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The PRCA hosts finals every December.

Illinois High School Rodeo Association (IHSRA)

The Illinois High School Rodeo Association (IHSRA) provides students with opportunities to participate in rodeos. IHSRA organizes rodeo events and competitions for both High School and Junior High divisions. They promote horsemanship, sportsmanship, and character, while keeping Western Heritage alive.

IHSRA is part of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA). Members participate in competitions for the chance to compete at the National Finals. NHSRA hosts the Junior High Finals Rodeo in June, and the High School Finals Rodeo in July.

Du Quoin Pro Rodeo

Du Quoin Pro Rodeo has been going on for three years, and is produced by McCoy Rodeo. McCoy Rodeo is a professional rodeo company that hosts many rodeos throughout the year.

The Du Quoin Pro Rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA. For two days in March, you can see this professional rodeo in action. There will be plenty of entertainment, fun, and excitement. You can even enjoy a concert after the rodeo performance.

Pana Tri-County Fair Rodeo

Over Labor Day weekend, you can visit the Pana Tri-County Fair. There will be a rodeo performance, as well as a demo derby, horse shows, a queen pageant, truck pulls, beer tents, and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The rodeo performance is held on Thursday, and produced by the Whippoorwill Rodeo Co. It’s an action-packed night, and the grand finale of the True American Cowboy Tour. You’ll see bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, cowgirls break-away roping, cowgirls barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more.

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