The Shrine Rodeo and Demo Derby gallops into Tonganoxie for its 59th annual visit May 24-26.
With horses, bulls, and the horsepower powered by fuel, the Shrine Rodeo and Demo Derby will be held at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds.
There will be two nights of rodeo on May 24-25 and a night of demo action on May 26.
Held by the Abdallah Shrine Temple, it’s a good family event, said organizers Bennie Smith, 2018 potentate, and Kevin Larson, past potentate. “It’s kid friendly,” Smith said. “There is constant activity and action-packed and it grabs the attention of the kids.”
The Abdallah Shrine makes it possible for families to attend the rodeo and demo derby at a reasonable price. “It’s actually affordable, compared to other events in the area,” Larson said. “We want people in the stands, having a good time. We work to keep the costs down.”
Individual tickets are $15 each for adults and $5 each for children. Family plan tickets are $60, including two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs and four soft drinks.
Smith and Larson have been members of the Abdallah Shrine for 35 and 25 years. Smith has volunteered with the rodeo for the past 10 years, and Larson for 25. The event is produced by volunteer labor, with thousands of hours going into putting on the rodeo and demo. The rodeo was started in 1960. The demo derby was added in 2012.
Family Fun Packs are available for the rodeo nights of May 24-25 and include two adult tickets, two children’s tickets and four meal deals for $50. On May 19, the price went to $60. The Family Fun Packs are valued at $70.
The Thursday, May 24, night of the rodeo is First Responders and Military Appreciation night. All first responders, including policemen and women, fire fighters, and EMTs, plus all military, and their families, get into the rodeo free. First responders and military should bring identification with them.
The Shrine Rodeo and Demo Derby will be held at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds in Tonganoxie May 24-26. Tickets can be purchased online at ShrineRodeo.com, at Brothers’ Market in Tonganoxie, and at the gate. For more information, visit the website, www.shrinerodeo.com, the event’s Facebook page (search for Shrine Rodeo), or call the Shrine office at 913-362-5300.