Dust and Glory

The West lives on at the Teton Valley Rodeo

Come June in Teton Valley, the Friday night lights off Highway 33 aren’t from the football field. No, it’s rodeo time.

A cowboy climbs the chute, settling atop a snorting bull. One hand grips the rope tight; the other hovers, ready. The bull snorts. The gate swings open and dirt flies. It’s rodeo time. This isn’t just sport—it’s the spirit of the West personified. And in Teton Valley, that Old West heritage is alive and well, and a heck of a good time to boot.

From small western arenas with hometown charm to massive, weeklong rodeos in places like Houston and Las Vegas, rodeo culture stretches far and wide. You may think if you’ve seen one rodeo, you’ve seen them all, but in Teton Valley, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Teton Valley Rodeo kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Teton Fair Grounds on Fridays beginning June 13, including a special 4th of July rodeo and an afternoon event the following day. From the grandstands, spectators watch as cowboys and cowgirls rope, ride, wrestle, and vie to take home the glory. Picturesque views of the Tetons frame the horizon as the summer sun sets. The adrenaline and energy are palpable—whether it’s young cowgirls tearing around barrels as fast as their horses will carry them or broncos battling to buck determined cowboys from the saddle. All the while, color, flair, and humor bellows from the loudspeaker. The rodeo commences weekly courtesy of local owners Lane Hillman and Carol Petersen.

The Teton Valley Rodeo brings together locals, visitors, and fans young and old, all to cheer on the grit, courage, skill, and Western tradition in all its beauty. Here, photographer Josh Myers captures the magic. But this is one event best experienced firsthand. See you there.

Teton Valley Fair: August 3–9

Growing Memories

The local Fair is as synonymous with the rodeo as the seventh-inning stretch is with a baseball game. Make plans to experience the 102nd annual Teton Valley Fair, held in early August, as it celebrates the bounty of the season. From must-see events like pig wranglin’, the twentieth annual horse pull, and stock dog event to open class competitions featuring pies, produce, jams, crafts, and more—the fair is a true showcase of community spirit, hard work, and celebration.

Don’t miss the Fair Rodeo on August 8 and the week’s finale on August 9 with lawnmower and figure 8 races, the perfect ending to a week-long salute to western heritage. Find the schedule, including ticket information and more, at tetoncountyfairgrounds.com.