The 85th annual Sidney Iowa Rodeo will be held on July 29, 30, 31 and August 1 and 2, with performances each evening at 8 p.m. This PRCA Rodeo is produced by Williams-Jobe-Gibson American Legion Post 128 of Sidney and production is supervised by a seven-member board who are members of Post 128 and Sons of American Legion Post 128.

Contestants and contract personnel are members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Rugged competitive events will be interspersed with specialty acts. The stock will be provided by Cervi Championship Rodeo Co. of Sterling, Colo, and announcer Roger Mooney will be on hand to add color to every event. Contestants' scores at Sidney also help qualify them for the Dodge Series Rodeo finals.

Protecting the cowboys while entertaining the spectators will be professional rodeo clowns and bullfighters Andy Burelle of Ardmore, Okla., Cory Wall of Burlington, Colo., and Mark Swingler of Austin, Tex. Swingler will also be barrel man and will present a variety of comedy clown specialty acts between competitive events.

The fast action of every performance, along with the scoring, will be shown on a large electronic display, which is furnished by US Smokeless Tobacco Co.

The Two County Dusters, a champion equestrian drill team since 1998, will present their spectacular talent, including a Celebration of America on Horseback during all five performances.

Mutton Bustin' for Kids will bring thrills to the younger set each evening. A Stick Horse Rodeo and Clown Contest will be held during Rodeo week in Sidney.

Local residents, visiting dignitaries and rodeo contestants will participate on Tuesday, July 29, at 4 p.m. in a parade around the Courthouse Square in Sidney. A Rodeo Queen contest will be held at the arena at 6 p.m. Tuesday to select Miss Sidney Rodeo. Each Rodeo performance begins at 8 p.m. with a spectacular grand entry led by the sharp Sidney Rodeo Band.

Sidney Iowa Rodeo and long time sponsor, Dodge, will participate on Friday in the Relay for Life cancer and cancer survivor project, with cowboys and cowgirls wearing the significant pink and purple. Spectators are encouraged to dress accordingly.

Arena dances are a tradition at Sidney Iowa Rodeo on Friday and Saturday after the performances, with admission being the purchase of that night's ticket to the Rodeo. Those attending will be happy to have two well known bands on hand, Secret Weapon on Friday night and Cheshire Grin returning for the third year on Saturday night.

The grandstands are under cover, there are 40 acres of free parking and a tram service. A carnival and flea market will be on the grounds, also concessions and vendors. A variety of great food is available, on the rodeo grounds and in local cafes. Motel space is available within a 20-mile distance.

Waubonsie State Park and a scenic Loess Hills drive are nearby. An outstanding museum in Sidney is operated by the Fremont County Historical Society, along with many other attractions in the area. Also, Waubonsie State Park offers camping facilities. The Loess Hills Scenic Byway is a short drive from Sidney and the Welcome Center at the 1-29 junction offers much information for travelers.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $23. Some days there are discounts for members of 4-H, FFA, Boy and Girl Scouts and U.S. Veterans and their spouses. There is a ticket order form on the web site, www.sidneyrodeo.us.. The Sidney Rodeo ticket office opens June 2, 2008. For tickets or other information, phone 712-374-2695.