NORTH WASHINGTON — Organizers of the North Washington Rodeo are calling last month’s event a record-setting one, saying it was “the most successful rodeo in over 20 years.”

More than 10,000 people attended the five-day rodeo, which was held Aug. 18 to 22, said Dave Hazlet, the head of the rodeo’s planning committee. That’s up from about 8,700 visitors to last year’s event, Hazlet said.

Hazlet said good weather and changes to the way the rodeo is promoted likely were responsible for the increased attendance. He also thanked rodeo volunteers and members of local emergency response departments who participated in the event for their help.

“It is the greatest show on dirt because (of) the audience participation,” Hazlet said.

Organizers say the rodeo, which is a major fundraiser for North Washington Volunteer Fire Department, was recently voted a Top-5 Outdoor Rodeo by the International Professional Rodeo Association.

The 2016 rodeo will be Aug. 16 to 20.