Rodeo Alaska rides again at Alaska State Fair

Rodeo Alaska returned to the Alaska State Fair and it was met with a great response.

According to Rodeo Alaska owner Frank Koloski, they had a great turnout with excited audiences during all their rodeo events held at the Fair.

“It was amazing,” Koloski said.

The series of Rodeo Alaska events are often referred to as the Fair Rodeo and take place over the course of multiple days during the Fair season. This gives Fairgoers plenty of opportunities to see Rodeo Alaska riders do what they do best. Whether it's barrel racing, bull riding, or roping, there was no shortage of live western entertainment for audiences to enjoy.

All Fair Rodeo events take place at the MTA Grandstand arena located between the France Equestrian Center and the Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits building which can be seen as a fitting inclusion of the overall agricultural experience present each Fair season.

According to Koloski, around 400 contestants of all ages participated in rodeo events at the Fair. He said that it's always great to be a part of the Alaska State Fair. He said that the Fair and Palmer area will always be “near and dear” to his heart. He said that Rodeo Alaska's western style entertainment is a fitting element that complements the Fair's roots in agriculture.

“There's such a lush history here… It's a blessing to be a part of it,” Koloski said.

One of the Fair Rodeo events was the 2024 Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo which was held Saturday, Aug. 24. This event always takes place within the Fairgrounds and serves as an annual opportunity to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Glacier Surgical Med Spa owner Dr. Shannon Gulley was this year's special guest. She discussed various statistics and facts about breast cancer among women while highlighting local treatment resources and the importance of screenings. Koloski said that he was thankful to have Gulley's involvement at their event.

“She's a very talented woman and she's a go-getter. She is amazing,” Koloski said.

The Fair Rodeo is typically one of the last Rodeo Alaska events held each year. Rodeo Alaska contestants travel across the state throughout the summer. Koloski said that overall participation has continued to increase, especially in the youth division which is greatly encouraging since that's the best way to sustain and expand their overall operation.

“It just keeps growing and growing,” Koloski said.

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

For more information about the 2024 Alaska State Fair season, visit alaskastatefair.org.