MEEKER | Another summer of rodeo action is set to begin in Meeker as the Meeker Summer Rodeo Series returns to the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 11.
Slack is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., followed by the main rodeo performance at 7 p.m., officially kicking off what organizers hope will once again be a busy and competitive summer season for local and visiting contestants.
The weekly rodeo series has long been a summer tradition in Meeker, drawing competitors from across northwest Colorado and beyond to test their skills in events including team roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, ribbon roping, steer riding and mutton busting. The series also gives young competitors and families an opportunity to spend summer evenings at the fairgrounds while building experience in the rodeo arena.
For many local contestants, the summer series serves as an important stepping stone during the rodeo season, allowing competitors to stay sharp while preparing for larger rodeos later in the summer. It also provides a chance for younger riders and ropers to gain confidence in a competitive setting close to home.
Last year’s opening rodeo delivered plenty of excitement and featured several strong performances from area athletes. Meeker local Kash Atwood teamed up with Kole Roberts to claim the win in the open team roping event during the season opener. Clayton Rossi and David Gonzales captured the top spot in dally ribbon roping, while Taylor Davis of Rifle won the open breakaway competition.
Davis said after her win last season that the Meeker series offered the perfect opportunity to continue developing younger horses while still competing at a high level.
“Coming out with a win is always fun. The ultimate goal is to always go out and do my best,” Davis said following the rodeo. “I’m also trying to work on my younger horses and get them the experience they need, and this rodeo is perfect for that.”
Davis also shared that the run carried special meaning after losing one of her top horses earlier in the season.
“My good horse had gotten hurt and needed to be put down about two months ago, so this was actually a really special run for me,” she said. “I think Batman really stepped up and exceeded my expectations.”
In the ladies breakaway competition, Ripley Bellio earned the win aboard her seasoned mare Lisa. Bellio praised both her horse and the atmosphere of the Meeker rodeos after the event.
“We are incredibly grateful for everyone that helps put that rodeo on,” Bellio said. “It’s always such a blast and a great rodeo to haul to.”
Other winners during last year’s opening night included Whit Watson in junior breakaway, Ashley Keeling in open barrels and Landree Tate in junior barrels. Young competitors also had their opportunity to shine in the mutton busting competition.
The Meeker Summer Rodeo Series has continued to grow in recent years as both competitors and spectators make the weekly events part of their summer routines. The rodeos not only showcase local talent but also bring together families, volunteers and rodeo fans for evenings centered around western heritage and community involvement.
With another season about to begin, contestants will once again be looking to start strong and build momentum throughout the summer. Organizers expect a full night of competition during the opening rodeo and encourage community members to come out and support the athletes.
The first rodeo of the 2026 Meeker Summer Rodeo Series will take place Thursday, June 11, at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds. Slack begins at 6 p.m. with the main performance starting at 7 p.m.
Rodeo photo: Taylor Davis, of Rifle, rides her horse Batman during last year’s Meeker Summer Rodeo Series at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds. Davis said she plans to return this summer, noting, “I am going to try and make it to them, I really enjoyed it last year.” JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
