Rodeo Alaska returning to Palmer for Memorial Day weekend

PALMER — Rodeo Alaska is returning to the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer for a full weekend of rodeo events.

The annual Northernmost PRCA Xtreme Bulls event will be held Saturday, May 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. with the gates opening at 12 p.m.

The State Championship Rodeo will be held Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. with the gates opening at 12 p.m.

The State Championship Rodeo will continue Monday, May 27 at 2 p.m. with the gates opening at 12 p.m.

Local acts such as the Ken Peltier Band and visiting acts such as Nashville-based group The Brit Stokes Band will be putting on live concerts for Rodeo Alaska attendees.

There will also be local food trucks onsite throughout the three days of rodeo activities and carnival rides provided by Golden Wheel Amusement.

Rodeo Alaska is an Alaskan group with members from across the state who engage in a variety of Rodeo events and competitions.

Rodeo Alaska owner Frank Koloski marveled at the ceaseless support across the Alaskan rodeo community. He said it’s a statewide family that always looks out for one another.

“We’re really a traveling village,” Koloski said.

Koloski said the rodeo lifestyle demands a lot of hard work and responsibility. He said it’s one of the most wholesome ways to foster children’s overall development as they care for their animals and dedicate themselves to the various duties involved. He said it’s a sport that reflects American values and traditions.

“There’s really no sport like it,” Koloski said. “It’s a really grassroots sport. I think it’s what America is really about.”

Koloski said they're continuing to see more contestants of all ages, and he's really excited to see so many young riders get into the sport.

"It teaches responsibility and overall, it shows. There's great opportunities… Seeing that play out is the greatest reward of all," Koloski said.

For tickets and more information, visit rodeoalaska.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com