Contestants' prize money increased at Libby's Kootenai River Stampede

Kootenai River Stampede organizers have increased the contestants’ purses in the hope of drawing more competitors to the rodeo next week.

According to Patty Rambo, prize money has been increased to be consistent across the board, event to event.  

"The women and timed event contestants have the potential to earn as much prize money as the rough stock riders," Rambo said in a press release. "Libby attracts week-end warriors to world champions, but KRS is always working to give the fans their monies worth."

The PRCA Rodeo will be held July 26-27 at J. Neils Memorial Park, just north of town on Montana 37 where the large bucking bull sculpture marks the entrance to the beautiful park.  

"Some love this bull, a few hate it, most just appreciate it as a now 20-year-old landmark," Rambo said. "The Kootenai River Stampede board appreciates it as a reminder of the rodeo that will be held Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27. This rodeo is one of the very few remaining large entertainment venues each summer in the community enjoyed by both the spectators and the contestants."

Rambo said the rodeo committee, of course, consider the bucking bull an asset for their year round preparation and promotion of this major event. They are very proud of the success their efforts have produced when the gates open and the stands fill to capacity, as they have for the past four (post-Covid) years. 

"The committee thanks the community, the sponsors, the spectators and the volunteers for the continued growth of this event," she said. 

Libby High School Close-Up students again will be directing the parking duties this year. They will have transportation for handicapped rodeo fans who might need assistance from the parking lot to the grandstands.  

This is a “by donation” service provided in conjunction with the rodeo and it helps students earn a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to Washington, D.C. next spring. Rodeo officials urge fair attendees to take advantage of the offered service.

The rough stock travels from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada with contractor Jon Kmita of The Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Corporation. As they did last year, this top-notch string provides all the thrills and spills a rodeo fan expects.  

Events include the rodeo classics, such as bareback, saddle bronc and bulls. In between the bucking events will be the timed events of tiedown calf roping, steer wrestling and team Roping.  

Women’s events feature ladies barrel racing and breakaway roping. Kids will have their fair share of competition in the arena with the ever popular events - the Friday night boot race and calf ribbon race for the older contestants on Saturday night.

"Don't forget, the 2024 featured entertainment, rodeo clown and barrelman roles will be filled by Green Hat Clown Austin Singley," Rambo said. "Austin, from Clearfield, Utah, is a performer, comedian and trick rider. Singley has worked as a Hollywood stuntman and with Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show in Branson, Missouri."

Tickets to the 20th Annual Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo are currently on sale. Presale tickets are $18 for adults while those tickets will be $21 at the gate.

Military veterans, seniors (age 60 and over) and students (age 7-15) can purchase tickets for the presale price of $13 or at the gate for only $15. Kids 6 and under are admitted free - as always.   

Tickets are available from the following ticket outlets: Libby Area Chamber, Timberline Auto Center, Homesteaders Farm & Ranch Supply, The Printing Press and High Spirits Liquor.  

In Troy, tickets can be obtained at The Silver Spur Restaurant.  

Tickets are available online at www.rodeoticket.com.