The 30th Annual Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo held its 2025 run on June 27-28 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. As in years past, the Super Purse Rodeo of the Year was quickly sold out. Organizers sold tickets for Ground Admission so people could still enjoy the live music, vendors and food.
Mutton Bustin’ and the Hero’s Night Rodeo kicked things off on Friday night while Slack and Community Night Rodeo took place on Saturday. Kenya Reese provided live music on Saturday afternoon and Eric Golden performed two nights in a row.
Elbert County local Heather Salazar loves going to Cowboy Up in Kiowa. “It reminds me of how I grew up, behind the roping box with my dad who was a ProRodeo steer wrestler,” she said. “… I want to continue that tradition with my family. We enjoy all the events, loved watching our girls mutton bust in years past, two-stepping to a live country band and an all-around appreciation for the cowboy and cowgirl way of life.”
Cowboy Up in Kiowa Board President Angelique Dieker said the rodeo celebrated its 30th anniversary with their community, sponsors and volunteers and enjoyed record contestants and a “whole lot of fun.”
“It was overwhelming to look across the arena and see the packed stands,” Dieker said, “to drive up to our dance and see it packed wall-to-wall with our community enjoying themselves and to have the group of volunteers we have that are dedicated to putting on a first-class event. We hope to see everyone next year.”
The Cowboy Up in Kiowa Rodeo has been based in Kiowa since 1995. Since then, the rodeo has been recognized many times, including CPRA’s Best New Rodeo, Best Small Rodeo, Most Improved Rodeo and has been named Super Purse Rodeo of the Year several times.
Read more about Cowboy Up in Kiowa and their close-knit volunteer community at coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/07/10/rodeo-draws-sellout-crowds-in-elbert-county.
For more information about Cowboy Up in Kiowa, visit cowboyupinkiowa.org.