Kootenai Stampede will support Libby Close-Up students

Through hard work and strong support from the Libby community, the 2026 Kootenai River Stampede PRCA Rodeo was able to increase the available prize money for the 2026 show at the J. Neils Memorial Park Arena July 24-25.  

The additional purse, coupled with the championship-quality livestock of the Outlaw Buckers Rodeo Company, is promising to attract an increased number of competitive cowboys and cowgirls to the valley.

The rodeo is also a chance to support the Libby High School Close-Up students. They will be managing the parking and through donations will help fund their annual educational trip to Washington, D.C. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime excursion for many.

Adding to the excitement of the traditional rodeo action, spectators will have even more entertainment with nightly performances by the Coughlin family, Spencer Rose and her daughters Lottie and Dolly.

A California native, Spencer Rose entered the rodeo arena at just 12 years old and quickly became one of the world's top female trick ropers. She has captivated audiences at prestigious events such as the California Rodeo Salinas, Pendleton Round-Up, Cheyenne Frontier Days, California Circuit Finals, the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the Qasr Al Hosn Festival in Abu Dhabi. She expanded her talents from trick roping to include trick riding, fire whips and liberty horse performances.

At 19, Spencer embarked on a five-year tour, performing across four continents. Most recently, Spencer opened for Shania Twain at the People's Choice Awards, further solidifying her place as a world-class performer. Today, she travels the globe with her family, blending traditional Western arts with a circus-inspired flair to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Following in their mother's footsteps, 7-year old Lottie and 4-year-old Dolly are already making a name for themselves as second-generation performers. They share a deep love for trick roping and trick riding and spend their time practicing liberty work and trick riding with their pony, Duke. With natural talent and a fearless spirit, Lottie and Dolly are quickly becoming rising stars in the world of equestrian entertainment.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. each evening to allow for visitors to stake out their seats in the grandstands before strolling through the various vendors and grabbing a bite to eat at any of the food booths.  There will be live music following the rodeo action until midnight. 

Further relax with a late evening dinner at the 4B’s Restaurant. They created a menu especially for rodeo participants this year. They will remain open from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. If this works well during this weekend, they plan to continue the service for all the remaining special events in Libby this summer, from the Riverfront Blues Fest, Ignite the Nites Car Show, Kootenai Harvest Festival to the Clash of the Carvers Chainsaw Competition.

Plan to enjoy the rodeo weekend under the new lights shining on one of the best arenas which has been praised by competitors from as far away as Arizona. With the starting time moved to 7:30 p.m., the temperatures cool down as the sun drops behind the trees. This makes for a comfortable evening under the stars watching rodeo action and entertainment.

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 always admitted free. Tickets outlets are the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce, Timberline Auto Center, The Printing Press, High Spirits Liquor and Homesteaders Farm & Ranch Supply. In Troy, tickets can be purchased at The Iron Creek Café & Cantina, or online at www.rodeoticket.com.

Turn in at the bucking bull statue! at the entrance of the J. Neils Rodeo Arena north of Libby on Highway 37.