DAYTON – What started 73 years ago by three young cowboys has turned into one of Iowa’s premier family-friendly events every Labor Day weekend.

Jim Heckman, president of the Dayton Rodeo committee, said the Dayton Rodeo, which will be held Sept. 3-6, is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned rodeo with a wide variety of events including saddle bronc, bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping.

Heckman said there are novice events as well including a wild horse race, junior steer riding for children 10-15 years and Mutton Bustin’ for children ages 5-7 years with weight and height requirements.

“We have one of the top rodeos around with top talents that come in,” said Heckman. “It’s just a good show that keeps a fast pace which helps keep kids entertained.”

One of the perks is the atmosphere where the rodeo is located in the town of Dayton in a large natural amphitheater with bleachers built into the hillside.

“The nice thing is we have a family friendly environment, the hill is nice,” he said.

New for the 2010 Dayton Rodeo, Heckman said, will be a Dayton Rodeo Dance to be held after each evening’s rodeo.

Friday night’s entertainment will be a local classic rock band, Tethered Feather with Saturday and Sunday night’s performer scheduled to be Jake McVey.

The dance is free with a paid admission to the rodeo or $15 at the gate and will begin after the rodeo until 1 a.m.

Rodeo entertainment includes Boyd Polhamus, 2007, 2008 and 2009 rodeo announcer of the year will return to the Dayton Rodeo this year; the One Arm Bandit, John Payne is also making a comeback to the fair after six- or seven-years; rodeo clown Gizmo McCracken; bullfighter Cory Wall; Serpentine Riders n and Jordanne Blair the current Miss Rodeo Iowa.

Rodeo show times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7p.m. and Monday, 1:30 p.m.

Other events in addition to the annual rodeo include a carnival, flea market, bingo and concession and a Labor Day Parade through Dayton at 10 a.m.

“We encourage everyone to come out and have a great time,” said Heckman. “There’s a carnival, rodeo and a dance, just a whole night of family friendly entertainment.

More information on the Dayton Rodeo can be found by visiting the event’s web site at:

www.daytonrodeo.com.

Contact Kriss Nelson at jknelson@frontiernet.net.