mmccolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

MANASSA- One of the San Luis Valley's longest-standing summer traditions returns Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, as Manassa Pioneer Days welcomes families and visitors for three days of rodeo action, parades, carnival rides, live entertainment and hometown tradition. 

For Andrea Jackson, rodeo director for the Manassa Saddle Club, this year's celebration offers something for everyone, from longtime rodeo fans to first-time visitors looking to experience one of the Valley's favorite summer events. 

"We're super excited because we have a brand-new event," Jackson said. 

Making its debut this year is Wild Cow Milking, a fast-paced team competition that is already generating excitement. Teams of four must rope a wild cow, tie it, milk it into a bottle, remove the rope and race back across the finish line. Jackson said 18 participants have already entered the event. 

Along with the new competition, spectators can look forward to a full slate of traditional rodeo events, including rough stock riding, bucking horses, bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, dally ribbon roping, breakaway roping and the crowd-favorite mutton busting, where young riders test their skills aboard sheep. 

The rodeo begins on Friday at 6 p.m. and continues Saturday at 12:30 p.m. 

This year, competitors will also have the chance to earn more than bragging rights. Thanks to generous community sponsors, five custom saddles will be awarded to San Luis Valley contestants competing in breakaway roping, barrel racing, team roping and calf roping. Championship buckles will also be presented throughout the rodeo. 

"We're super fortunate to find some sponsors so we can give out saddles this year," Jackson said. 

The rodeo continues to attract competitors from throughout the region. Jackson said approximately 170 contestants participated last year, and entries remain nearly as strong this summer. 

"I believe I have about 166 the last time I looked," she said. "It's a really good rodeo. We have a great turnout." 

While the rodeo is one of Pioneer Days' biggest attractions, festivities begin Thursday evening with the annual auction and crowning of the Manassa Pioneer Days royalty at 5:30 p.m. 

The scholarship program is open to young women attending any high school and encourages leadership, volunteerism and community involvement. Contestants submit an application, complete a community service project and participate in an interview before a panel of judges selects the new royalty. 

"We've made it open to the community so that anybody can participate," Jackson said. "Everything is for our community because we want to give back. That's what our whole event is based on." 

The celebration continues Friday and Saturday with parades stepping off at 10 a.m. each morning along Main Street. A carnival will also be open both days, providing rides and entertainment for families throughout the weekend. 

Saturday evening will conclude with another crowd favorite—the annual demolition derby, beginning at 6 p.m. Jackson said the grandstands are typically packed, with standing room only by the time the competition begins. 

This year's derby will also feature a new youth division, allowing drivers ages 11 to 14 to compete for the first time. 

"We're excited for the derby," Jackson said. "The youth class is something new this year." 

Although Pioneer Days offers no shortage of entertainment, Jackson joked that no visit is complete without stopping for one local favorite. 

"You've got to get at least one hamburger while you're there," she said with a laugh. "I don't know what makes them so good, but you've got to have at least one." 

Behind the scenes, Jackson said the three-day celebration would not be possible without countless volunteers, committee members, sponsors and emergency response personnel who dedicate their time to making the event a success. 

"It takes an army to get this together and a lot of hours and work," she said. "We're extremely grateful for all of our sponsors, our committee members, the community and all of the emergency response services that come in and help us." 

For Jackson, that spirit of volunteerism is what makes Manassa Pioneer Days so special. 

"It's definitely centered around family fun," she said. "There's lots to do. If you've never made it to the Manassa Pioneer Days parade, I bet you've never seen another one like it. It's absolutely beautiful." 

Whether visitors come for the rodeo, the parade, the demolition derby, the carnival or simply a famous Pioneer Days hamburger, Jackson hopes people leave with lasting memories and an appreciation for a tradition that has brought the community together for generations.