Washington VFD rodeo returns Aug. 15
One of the largest rodeos this side of the Mississippi, the North Washington Rodeo will return for its 63rd year on Tuesday, Aug. 15, and will last through Saturday, Aug. 20, in Washington Township.
According to Dave Hazlet, chairman of the rodeo committee, this is a truly international event, with contestants coming into Washington Township from the other side of the world.
“We have contestants from all over the United States, Canada, some from Australia that I know of who are coming,” Hazlet said. “World champions coming to North Washington.”
For the second year in a row, the Washington Volunteer Fire Department has had to forgo the traditional pre-rodeo parade due to cost and crew concerns and difficulty in obtaining permits. For similar reasons, the VFD also has had to nix the rodeo queen competition.
However, in place of the parade will be the Rodeo Kickoff Party at the rodeo arena on Monday, Aug. 14.
“There’ll be some face paint, some stuff for kids,” Hazlet said. “We got music playing, concession stands are open, a bunch of nonprofits around showing off their wares. It’s our support thing for all the nonprofits that are out there.”
The rodeo itself kicks off the following night at the arena, and will last through Saturday. Guests will get to see all different kinds of rodeo action, including calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding.
Each day, a different group of people can get into the rodeo with a discount. On Tuesday and Wednesday, one full-price adult ticket will come with a free child ticket. Thursday is First Responders night, bringing discounted tickets for police, fire and rescue personnel with identification. Friday is Veterans Night, meaning discounted tickets for veterans who have proof of service.
Each day of rodeo action will be preceded by a dinner in the Washington VFD’s social hall behind the rodeo arena, with a different main dish each night. Dinner also will be served on Saturday, Aug. 19.
