Bannock County PRCA Rodeo: A Community Effort Worth Showing Up For
Bannock County PRCA Rodeo: A Community Effort Worth Showing Up For
By Gretchen Kirchmann
There’s something deeply special about Pocatello, Idaho and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) just ask residents Casey Koyle, Maycie Allred and Jess Anderson.
On May 22 and 23 ProRodeo makes its return to Pocatello with the inaugural Bannock County PRCA Rodeo produced by Big Bucks ProRodeo Company. One simple truth: events like this don’t come back on their own. They come back because a stock contractor, local volunteers and businesses, step forward, and say, “This matters to us.”
Koyle, Allred and Anderson families are among the residents that teamed up with Big Bucks ProRodeo Company out of Utah and Nevada comprised of the Flitton and Burnside families bringing the inaugural Bannock County PRCA Rodeo into fruition.
“It’s been my dream to get a ProRodeo back in Pocatello since the DNCFR (Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo) and then the Wrangler Million Dollar Silver Tour rodeo left Pocatello 16 years ago,” said Koyle. “It left a hole in our community, and I love watching the expression and excitement on the faces of people, when they find out we are getting a ProRodeo back in town,” further explained Koyle.
The Casey Koyle Family are all helping volunteer their time and talents for the Bannock County PRCA Rodeo.
For generations, rodeo has been part of the cultural heartbeat of Idaho. It connects ranching roots with modern families, longtime residents with newcomers, tourists, and young kids wide‑eyed at their first rodeo with western heritage. The Big Bucks ProRodeo summer run starts in Pocatello, continues to Mackay in June and concludes in Tetonia in July.
Volunteering isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about collaborating with the community and building an event. Koyle and his family have spent their weekends promoting the Bannock County PRCA Rodeo at the CAL Ranch stores in Chubbuck and Blackfoot selling raffle tickets as a fundraising effort to help offset the production costs.
Behind the scenes Allred and Anderson are helping Koyle secure sponsors, find vendors, gather volunteers and promote the ProRodeo with the Bannock County Events Complex staff.
Allred is eagerly awaiting the for the inaugural Bannock County PRCA Rodeo. “My role in the new rodeo is getting the flag team together, gathering sponsors, and helping in any other way possible,” said Allred. “I told them (Big Bucks ProRodeo Company) that I lived close by and would be willing to help and carry flags.”
Maycie Allred and her team of horses will carry flags during the rodeo performances.
Anderson encourages others to get involved. She also acknowledges that rodeo reflects community values. “I grew up on a family farm/ranch. Growing up working hard has impacted my entire life. The work ethic within a rodeo community is profound. Rodeo is one of the only sports that still starts with a prayer. God is still a huge part of rodeo, which aligns directly with the values of southeastern Idaho. Respect for the American Flag and for individuals serving or who have served in the armed forces is normally part of the rodeo performance, showing the community’s respect and appreciation for those individuals. It’s not just about the cowboys and cowgirls; it’s about growing and supporting the community,” Anderson said.
Jess Anderson is helping gather sponsors and assist with community relations.
Friday Night is Kids Night making it very affordable for families to attend. Each adult ticket purchased receives a free kid ticket (12 years and under). Plus, the ProRodeo invites visitors to Pocatello creating an economic impact and reflects the community’s civic pride. Saturday afternoon ProRodeo will feature the Fort Hall Indian Relay Race after the performance.
“The level of communication that has to happen to make an event of this size come together and grow, isn’t just the rodeo producer but the community, county commissioners, mayors, and the event center staff working together,” explained Koyle.
Hosting a PRCA event is also a reminder that community traditions are fragile. Volunteering doesn’t require special expertise—just a willingness to contribute what you can. An hour. A skill. A positive attitude. The financial support via sponsorships and ticket purchases all help. Those small commitments, multiplied across a community, are what allow the Bannock County PRCA Rodeo to thrive.
Rodeo Week begins Monday May 18, 2026
The rodeo contestants have entered and Linda Flitton, PRCA Rodeo Secretary is already preparing day sheets for the contestant lineup each night. In addition to the Big Bucks ProRodeo co-owners Cody Flitton and Jody Burnside coordinating production aspects to bring their bucking horses and bulls to Pocatello.
The Stellar Trick Riding Cowgirls, Kate and Tera Flitton performed in Ellensburg, Washington this past week and are trailering to Pocatello for appearances and arena setup.
Rodeo Clown Dustin “the Jester” Jenkins will fly in mid-week and rodeo judges, the announcer, bullfighters, pick-up men and the labor crew will be arriving too.
Grand Entry Coordinator Nichole Burnside is working with local and state rodeo queens representing the great American sport during the nation’s 250th celebration year.
The return of ProRodeo in Pocatello proves that the western spirit is still very much alive. As the gates open Friday night and the first bareback rider nods, remember that the loudest impact didn’t start in the arena. It started with local citizens Koyle, Allred and Anderson volunteering with the Flitton and Burnside families of Big Bucks ProRodeo.
To purchase tickets visit www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com
A big thank you to our partner at www.kzbq.com for promoting the national anthem contest.
