Rodeo Alaska draws over 300 participants

Over 300 riders participated in the Champions Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo at the Alaska State Fair Saturday Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28.

Rodeo Alaska featured the state’s top athletes in addition to visiting competitors from across the Lower 48.

“It was phenomenal,” Rodeo Alaska owner Frank Koloski said. “It was a very successful and very well received rodeo.”

Rodeo contestants of all ages participated in a variety of events including barrel racing and bull riding.

Koloski said they had a large amount of youth participation this year, continuing the upward trend they’ve seen over the years. He said it’s very encouraging for their overall mission to keep the rodeo community alive and well across the state

“It’s grown so much. We’ve got some real talent here,” Koloski said.

Tanya Brewer was this year’s barrel racing champion. Koloski said Brewer has a long and successful rodeo career with multiple championships under her belt. He said that she’s currently preparing for a national competition in November.

“She’s very talented,” Koloski said.

Koloski said that Rodeo Alaska has been a part of the Fair for the last 12 years. He said they plan to keep this tradition going year after year. He said they always have a large and enthusiastic audience that appreciates what they’re doing.

“I loved being at the Fairgrounds,” Koloski said. “It’s very gratifying for me. I’m thankful to be in the position I’m in. Everybody wants to come up here and be a part of our rodeos.”

Rodeo Alaska’s last event of the season, the Kodiak Rodeo, is scheduled for Sept. 3 and Sept. 4.

For more information about the 2022 Alaska State Fair, visit alaskastatefair.org.

For more information about Rodeo Alaska, visit rodeoalaska.com.