PRCA Rodeo returns to Libby for Kootenai River Stampede

For Libby, rodeo means the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. 

The PRCA is returning to the J. Neils Memorial Park Arena July 24-25 with the Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Company and livestock, cowboys, cowgirls, visiting rodeo royalty along with liaisons, vendors and live music.

The tradition from which the sport of rodeo emerged is legendary. Cowboys were among the first heroes of the West, moving vast cattle herds from the southern states to settle and feed the northern and western states. 

From the grueling life of long, dusty, dirty miles of maneuvering thousands of bovine over rugged terrain, cowboy life evolved into ranch life as the cattle industry populated the grasslands in the northern states. Duties on a ranch ranged from breeding, calving, moving herds from grassland to water, then to market.  

Some of the necessary skills involved roping and wrangling cattle as well as training the horses upon which to accomplish their work. 

Rodeo sprang up as a means of demonstrating, comparing and competing to prove one’s ranch skills. Bareback and saddle bronc riding displayed traditional horsemanship. Tie down roping, team roping and steer wrestling skills were applied to livestock management, in particular, doctoring a sick or injured animal.  

Modern rodeo competition and entertainment all began as a necessity of ranch life. The PRCA keeps it professional.

Funnyman clown and barrelman Mike Wallace returns to the Stampede. His assignment is to keep the pace of the action flowing as he interacts with PRCA veteran announcer Brent Jordan, drawing spectators into the action. Between the two, there will be no lull and no lag in the fast pace of the show.  

Along with the traditional rodeo excitement, the 2026 contracted entertainment features professional trick roper Dalton Morris. He also returns this year to amaze “kids” of all ages with his skill and antics. Dalton has been perfecting his trick roping since he took an interest in it at the ripe old age of 3 - yes, at THREE! His interesting play turned into his hobby and turned into a career.  

Dalton has traveled across the country to a variety of venues with his unique talent, from rodeos to fairs, to the comedy stage. Have you ever seen a grown man “play” with fire? Dalton sets his rope on fire to impress.  

As he is a friend of Mike Wallace, there might be even more fun when the two combine their shenanigan capabilities. Since Dalton is also a barrelman, the unexpected might be expected when their two barrels are rolled into the arena for the bull riding event!?!

Rounding out the venue will be trick rider and trick roper, Spencer Rose Coughlin with her 7-year-old daughter Lottie. Some of Spencer Rose’s career highlights include the California Rodeo Salinas (4x), Red Bluff Round-Up, Pendleton Round Up (3x), Cheyenne Frontier Days (2x), California Circuit Finals (3x), Reno Rodeo (2x), Prescott Frontier Days (3x)and St. Paul Rodeo.

She opened for Shania Twain at the People’s Choice Awards as well as performing in the World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies. Lottie, performing with her horse Duke, adds to the family entertainment aspect of the sport of rodeo.

The Kootenai River Stampede Rodeo committee thanks LOR for the $29,000 grant that provided additional arena lighting that was installed this spring. The lighting improves safety for contestants and enhances the view for spectators.

It was available for Logger Days when that event returned on the Libby scene recently in June. The lights were installed to improve the rodeo experience as well as be an asset to all community happenings in the future. KRS is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to promote the traditions of the West, the sport of professional rodeo, as well as give back to the community.

Another special concept was initially created for rodeo attendees by the 4B's Restaurant. They have created a special menu for a relaxing meal after the rodeo each night. They will be open 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. as traffic dictates - so call ahead and take advantage of this service!!!  

The special menu and hours will be offered this summer for ALL of Libby's special events! These will include the Riverfront Blues Festival, Ignite the Nites Auto Show, Kootenai Harvest Festival and the Kootenai Country Chainsaw Championship "Clash of the Carvers" extravaganza.

Plan on enjoying a full evening of fast-paced excitement when professional eodeo is in town. Presale tickets are an affordable $20 for adults. These tickets will be $23 at the gate.  

Veterans, seniors (age 60 and over) and students (age 7-15) can purchase tickets for the presale price of $15 or at the gate for only $18. Kids 6 and under are admitted free.   

Tickets are available from the following ticket outlets: Libby Area Chamber of Commerce, Timberline Auto Center, The Printing Press, High Spirits Liquor and Homesteaders Farm & Ranch Supply.  

In Troy, tickets can be obtained at The Iron Creek Café & Cantina, or online at www.rodeoticket.com. 

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each day with rodeo action commencing at 7:30 p.m. - July 24 and 25 - at the J. Neils Rodeo Arena north of Libby, just over the Kootenai River on Highway 37.

    Trick roper Dalton Morris returns to entertain rodeo fans at the Kootenai River Stampede July 24-25 at J. Neils Memorial Park in Libby. (Courtesy photo)