If this year’s event is a sign of things to come, the “Best Little Rodeo in Arizona” might need to come up with a new catchphrase.
“Little” doesn’t quite capture the magnitude of the 110th annual Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo that wrapped up on Monday at the Sonoita Fairgrounds. This was a big deal—bigger than in years past.
Bigger as in 6,322 paid attendance for the three-day event, 318 Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association contestants (plus another 279 teams competing in jackpot roping), 250 junior rodeo contestants, 50 vendors and last, but not least, 108 volunteers that made for “an absolutely amazing weekend,” according to Lacy Beyer, manager of the Santa Cruz County Fair and Rodeo Association.
Attendance was up nearly 800 from 2024’s total of 5533.
“I think it’s because we’re putting on a fabulous event and everybody wants to come to it,” Beyer said. “Word is getting around. I’ve never seen that many people here. We’re very, very happy with the turnout and the whole weekend. It helps the whole community, our businesses benefit, and it’s a great event for the whole town.”
Beyer said that unlike years past, Saturday’s attendance exceeded that of Sunday’s, which she attributed to opening ceremonies that commemorated first responders and included a Black Hawk helicopter flyover.
“We stuck with our traditions, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” she said.
Mother Nature did her part as well, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies—save for a late Sunday afternoon dust storm that merely skirted the fairgrounds.
“There was some wind and a bit of dust that blew through, but not enough to stop the roping,” Beyer said.
Beyer gave credit to the association’s rodeo committee and the volunteer engagement that made for a successful show.
“We’re able to pull it off so smoothly because of the committee that we’ve got,” she said. “We have an incredible team. And don’t forget to mention the 108 volunteers. We couldn’t do it without those 108 people.”
Event winners were:
Bareback: Bralyon Johnson, Prescott
Steer wrestling: Beau Eager, Eager
Breakaway: Halle DeWitt, Brawley, Calif.
Open Tie Down: Joseph Parsons, Marana
Incentive Tie Down: Howdy Sanborn, Willcox
Open Team Roping (Header): Micharl Calmalet, Tucson
Open Team Roping (Heeler) T.J. Brown, Payson
Incentive Team Roping (Header): Jhett Hale, Coolidge
Incentive Team Roping (Heeler): Tristan Mahoney, Florence
Saddle Bronc: Slade Keith, Stanfield
Open Barrel Racing: Stacey Padilla, SanTan Valley
Incentive Barrel Racing: Faith Hudson, Vail; and Cy Brashears, Phoenix
Bull Riding: Caelean Reynolds, Marana