The 25th anniversary of the Cokeville Stock and Saddle Club’s rodeo went off without too many hitches on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25. According to Amy Peck, Cokeville Stock and Saddle Club’s public relations coordinator, the event drew more than 200 people to the stands and around the arena.

The Little Buckaroo Rodeo, on Friday, July 24, had over 150 kids participate in more than 300 entries, Peck said. Many kids do more than one event, according to Peck. There were many little cowgirls and cowboys who competed throughout the day. It was a fun-filled event for the whole family. There was something for everyone from stick horse barrel racing to bull riding.

This year the Cokeville Rodeo Club honored the many individuals who helped to create, shape, and cultivate the Cokeville rodeo over the past 25 years. They posted stories of these special individuals who contributed to the Cokeville Rodeo — pickup men, flag bearers, announcers, secretaries, grounds workers, royalty, sponsors and more. They honored these rodeo veterans every day in July leading up to the 25th annual rodeo on July 25, 2020, according to Peck. During the rodeo on Saturday, five individuals were inducted into the Cokeville Stock and Saddle Club Hall of Fame. Each one was represented and were recognized with a buckle in their honor. The recipients were Tamara Dayton, Ted Thompson, Lynn Dimond, Frank Lazcanotegui and Roland Johns. Dayton’s award was received by Ed Dayton (husband) with Nick Dayton (son) riding in her honor. Thompson’s award was received by Stan Thompson (cousin) with Leon Pope (friend) riding in his honor. Dimond’s award was received by Jill Clark (friend) with Stephanie Haderlie (friend) riding in his honor. Lazcanotegui’s award was received by Brenda Lazcanotegui (wife) with Lisa Lazcanotegui (daughter) riding in his honor. Johns’ award was received by Janet Dayton (daughter) with Jerry Dayton (grandson) and Madi, Myles and Austin Dayton (great-grandchildren) riding in his honor. The other 20 honorees have photos and descriptions posted on the website, cokevillerodeo.com.

Cokeville Stock & Saddle Club royalty participated in this year’s rodeo by hold the American and state flags and more. Emri Jenkins (queen), Hailey Mackey (first attendant), Quincee Call (princess), Kendra Huntington (first attendant), Irie Uasike (second attendant) and Peyton Gilmore (third attendant) are the Cokeville Rodeo’s 2020 royalty, according to the club’s website.

On Saturday, July 25, Cokeville Stock and Saddle Club drew for 16 gate prizes; wristbands had a raffle ticket for the drawings. Prizes included mugs from the Wyoming National Guard, Fizeez (a soda shop in Montpelier) gift cards, a cookie jar of PaPa’s Fine Chocolates (a store in Montpelier), two hats from Atlas Threads and local honey from Ai-yana Bees & Honey, according to Peck.

In addition to the other events, a raffle was held for a quilt and a rifle with all proceeds going to the Cokeville Stock & Saddle Club to help with facility improvements, according to a flyer provided by the club. Dylan Moody won the quilt and Joe Dayton won the rifle.

“People enjoyed it and they stayed,” Peck said. “That is a big deal.”