Wild rodeo action returns to Glens Falls next weekend

GLENS FALLS | Wranglers from all over the U.S. vying for a national title, rowdy livestock and renowned entertainers are all featured next weekend at the 30th annual Adirondack Stampede Charity Rodeo. Set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6, this renowned rodeo is to be held in the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. Wranglers from Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties will be competing alongside national rodeo stars in bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down and team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Olin Ellsworth of Warrensburg, the 2016 First Frontier Circuit champion steer wrestler, will be competing on both Friday and Saturday nights. Ellsworth said he's been wrestling steers at Adirondack Stampede for 21 or 22 years. "Each year, I've enjoyed the competition, camaraderie, and atmosphere of Adirondack Stampede," he said. "And it's not only good family entertainment, it raises money for local charities which is important, particularly this year." Ellsworth's friends and family members, including Wayde and Lee Ellsworth and Dave and Ben Reynolds, have been competitors in the Stampede rodeo for many years, and some of them will likely be on hand next weekend. Other area wranglers that may be competing include Burgess Ovitt, Emily and Eric Fabian, and Olin's cousin Jake Edwards. Among the headline entertainment at the Adirondack Stampede will be Jessica Blair Fowlkes of Texas with her trained horses, performing dramatic and daring feats. The rodeo action will be narrated on horseback by Greg Simas who started his professional announcing career at Adirondack Stampede many years ago and has since won many awards for his emceeing work. On the evening before the two nights of competition, Thursday, Nov. 4, a rodeo Kickoff Party is to be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Cool Arena's Heritage Hall. The event features "meet and greet" and autograph opportunities with the contestants and entertainers; chances to win tickets, various prizes and giveaways; as well as socializing and music. To celebrate Adirondack Stampede's 30th anniversary, the kickoff party will feature wranglers who have competed in the rodeo over the last three decades, rodeo organizer Shana Graham said. "People will be able to meet up with the old-timers," she said. Also, a Roundup Party will be held following the rodeo action on both Friday and Saturday nights in Heritage Hall, where fans can meet the competitors and enjoy music, dancing, food and beverages. The Nobody Special Band will perform on Friday. Saturday's party features After-FX Deejays with Chip Aldrich. Adirondack Stampede has been one of the first rodeos on the calendar in earning points toward a national title three months later. Thousands of people are expected to cheer on the competitors. Each year, the Stampede rodeo dedicates a major portion of their net annual income, between $7,000 and $9,000, to charity. For 2021, proceeds are being donated to a local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, Mark Mulholland's Kelly's Angels charity, and scholarships for two chosen area members of the Future Farmers of America. Facebook Live online broadcasts will be narrated by notable local personalities Erin Reid Coker and Chuck Aiken. Rodeo tickets are available online at adirondackstampederodeo.com or at The Cool Arena box office. For more information, call Graham at 518-796-3778.

Signup for our newsletter

Wild rodeo action returns to Glens Falls next weekend

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS