It's Time For Rodeo!

Do you know how to make Malta Crazy Days even Crazier? Add an evening rodeo to it!

The Trafton Park Arena's Malta NRA Rodeo is gearing up for its third installment from Friday, July 8, to Saturday, July 9, in Malta.

The event started in 2020, during a time when events were shut down due to the threat of COVID-19.

"We started it during COVID," said Jerey McEwen of the Trafton Park Arena Committee. "There were 550 people sitting in the stands. People were ready to get out. They had been locked in since (spring)."

The rodeo is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

The Stock Contractor for this year is Treasure State Rodeo. Robert Toavs will be the announcer. Rob Matteson will be the Barrel Man. Chisholm Christensen, a PC Fair performer from last year will be singing the National Anthem on Saturday, while Aaryn Ator of Medicine Lake will sing the National Anthem on Friday.

The events include Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Breakaway, Ladies Barrel Racing, and Team Roping.

The youth will have a chance to compete in Jr Breakaway, as well as Junior Barrel Racing for youth aged 11 to 15.

Entries for the events were open on Tuesday, July 5.

As far as the amount of riders go, McEwen is hoping that the numbers are similar to last season, but economical issues may play a part.

"...It may be down a little bit because of fuel," McEwen said."People aren't going to travel over here with $6 fuel, but some of them are hardcore and they are going to come."

He said that the numbers for the Opheim rodeo last week were decent.

Friday Night at 6 p.m. will feature the event's slack where riders will compete to qualify for the Rodeo Event on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

"We only put ten in the event for the performance rodeo," McEwen said. "But all of the rough stock events go to the performance on Saturday."

Prior to the Rodeo on Saturday night, the Trafton Park Arena Committee will be putting on a Parade as a part of Malta's Crazy Days.

"We did it last year and there was a little bit of everything," McEwen said. "We had the banks involved and we encourage the stores to get involved because they are our number one supporters. They do sponsorships for the arena and keep us going."

A Street Dance will follow the rodeo in downtown Malta.

McEwen was asked what he would say to those that have not experienced the Malta Rodeo or possibly any rodeo.

"Come down," McEwen said. "Bring the kids and they will get addicted."