Rodeo Alaska sees large turnout over Memorial Day weekend

PALMER — Rodeo Alaska saw a large turnout over the course of Memorial Day weekend at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer.

In addition to the rodeo events, visitors were also able to enjoy numerous rides, food vendors, and live music throughout the weekend.

"It was a great weekend," Rodeo Alaska owner Frank Koloski said. "I was really happy with the way the community received our event."

Rodeo Alaska featured numerous staple events such as barrel racing and bull riding along with a new edition this year. This was the first year they hosted Bronc Riding, where contestants attempted to stay on bucking Broncos for as long as possible. Koloski said this was the first time they held this type of rodeo event in Alaska and they had participants from across the world.

"It was another first," Koloski said. "I felt really excited about it, especially with the way the contestants are competing these days."

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.

Rodeo Alaska is set to return to Palmer for the 2023 Alaska State Fair season. Koloski said they're all looking forward to coming back.

"I love Palmer," Koloski said. "It's a great place to have a family event."

Rodeo Alaska's next event will take place over Father's Day weekend in Anchorage.

"We're pretty excited about that," Koloski said.

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

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