In the world of rodeo events, one stands out as a true community treasure - the 20th Annual Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo.

This cherished tradition, rooted in the heart of Mountain Home, Idaho, carries on the legacy of a fallen friend while delivering an unparalleled display of cowboy skill and Western heritage.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a must-see destination on the rodeo circuit, the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo has woven an inspiring story of perseverance, generosity, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Event Logistics: An Electrifying Two-Day Showdown

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo, a highly anticipated event that draws rodeo fans and competitors from across the region.

The format of the rodeo is a two-day performance, where the contestant with the highest score or fastest run in each event over the two days is crowned the winner.

2024’s total payout is the highest it’s ever been in the rodeo’s 19 year history.

Typically, the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo attracts around 4,200 fans over the two-day event, with approximately 230-240 contestants competing.

These contestants come primarily from the Pacific Northwest, but some also travel from across the nation as they make their way down the summer rodeo circuit.

Keeping the show running smoothly is an experienced staff, including Announcer Scott Allen, Funny Man Wolfey Selvester, and the Legacy Pro Rodeo as the stock contractor. The Treasure Valley Leather Slappers also provide a rousing pre-rodeo performance to kick off the festivities.

Gates open at 6:00 p.m., pre-rodeo with a calf scramble and goat tail untying starts at 7:30 p.m., and the rodeo itself starts at 8:00 - parking is free! Pre-sale tickets are also available at D&B Supply in Mountain Home, as well as online.

Honoring a Fallen Friend: The Origins of a Community Tradition

The first Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo was held in 2006, founded in memory of Daniel Dopps, who had passed away the previous year.

The Dopps family, who were close friends with the owners of a local Idaho rodeo company, were inspired to start the event after overhearing a conversation about the need for a large-scale community event in Mountain Home, Idaho.

With the permission of Daniel’s family and the support of the entire Mountain Home community, the rodeo was established.

When the event first began, the arena had not been used in 20 years, so the community worked together to painstakingly improve the grounds and facilities to be ready for a professional rodeo.

The City of Mountain Home has played a crucial role in developing and enhancing the arena over the years.

A Rodeo with Heart: Giving Back to the Community

While the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo has earned recognition within the rodeo circuit, its true legacy lies in its unwavering commitment to the community.

Close to $60,000 in scholarship money has been donated on behalf of the event, and the rodeo board members also submit fundraising ideas each September to support various community charities and organizations, particularly those focused on youth and healthcare - two of Daniel Dopps’ passions.

The event is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with the rodeo being held in a park setting complete with grass, trees, and picnic seating around the arena - a unique setting compared to many traditional rodeo venues.

The rodeo is intentionally planned to be a family-oriented event, one of the most important pillars of the planning process each year.

A Destination for the Best in the Business

The timing of the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo, which coincides with the Reno Rodeo, a major stop on the summer rodeo circuit, allows the event to consistently draw big name contestants, such as world champion Shad Mayfield and the entire Wright family of saddle bronc and bull riders.

The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo has previously been nominated for Best Small Rodeo in the Wilderness Circuit, further solidifying its reputation within the rodeo community.

Overall, the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo is a beloved community event that honors the memory of Daniel Dopps while providing a unique, family-friendly rodeo experience for fans and contestants alike.

As the 20th edition approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow, making this a must-see destination for rodeo enthusiasts across the region.

The Dedicated Board Behind the Scenes

The Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo is overseen by a talented and passionate 8-person Board of Directors, divided into an Executive Committee and a larger Committee Board, within the 24 committee member team.

The Executive Committee is responsible for the high-level planning and strategic direction of the rodeo, handling tasks like financial management, future planning, and daily operations.

This core group includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Executive Director, Secretary, and three additional board members.

The larger Committee Board is made up of various sub-committees, each charged with carrying out essential rodeo functions, such as the Merchant Committee, Ticket Committee, Community Outreach Committee, and Arena Committee.

While the Executive Committee provides the vision, these committee members leverage their unique skills and knowledge to ensure the rodeo operations run smoothly.

Remarkably, nearly all the board members knew Daniel Dopps personally, with the event’s founder, Ramona Dopps (Daniel’s mother), serving on the board for the full 20 years since the rodeo’s inception.

The level of dedication is staggering, with board members logging anywhere from 100 hours to every single day working to make the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo a success.

The Unsung Heroes: Volunteer Power

The Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo is supported by an army of 75-100 local volunteers who contribute their time and talents to ensure the event runs like a well-oiled machine.

These volunteers tackle a wide range of tasks, from taking tickets and assisting with contestant hospitality to providing event security, working in the beer garden, and even helping with arena clean-up.

According to Ramona Dopps, the volunteers are indispensable, stating,‘We could not do it without them. Period.’

Without the tireless efforts of these committed community members, the rodeo would not be able to channel its resources towards its true purpose - giving back to the community in Daniel’s memory.

Powering the Passion: Dedicated Sponsors

Crucial to the success of the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo are the nearly 40 sponsors who provide vital financial support.

These sponsors understand that their involvement goes beyond simply providing funding - by aligning with the rodeo’s mission, they become integral parts of the community effort to honor Daniel’s legacy and promote Western heritage.

For the sponsors, the decision to get involved is driven by more than just business considerations.

As Ramona Dopps explains, “When a sponsor signs on, they become part of the Daniel Dopps mission.”

The sponsors’ contributions not only keep the rodeo running and improving each year, but they also play a significant role in the event’s ability to give back to the community through charitable donations and scholarships.

Giving Back in Daniel’s Memory

At the heart of the Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo is a deep commitment to honoring Daniel’s memory through charitable giving.

Each year, the rodeo committee members submit fundraising ideas, and the proceeds are then distributed to a variety of community charities and organizations that align with Daniel’s passions, such as youth initiatives and healthcare.

To date, the rodeo has donated close to $60,000 in educational scholarships to graduating seniors, with preference given to those from Elmore and Owyhee Counties.

Additionally, the event has supported causes ranging from the Mountain Home Parks & Recreation and the Elmore County Jr. Rodeo Association to the LLS fundraising efforts, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, and various veterans’ organizations.

The charitable component is not just a peripheral aspect of the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo - it is the driving force behind the event’s very existence.

As Ramona Dopps eloquently states, “It is the mission of the Rodeo to do good things in Daniel’s name. His death left a huge hole in the community. Rodeo members now aim to make a difference in his memory.”

Final Thoughts

As the dust settles and the final buzzer sounds on the 19th Annual Daniel Dopps Memorial PRCA Rodeo, the legacy of this beloved event will continue to echo through the hearts of all who have experienced its magic.

From the dedicated board members who pour their hearts into its success to the tireless volunteers and generous sponsors who power its mission, this rodeo stands as a testament to the transformative power of community.

In honoring the memory of Daniel Dopps, the Daniel Dopps Memorial Rodeo has become so much more than just a display of rodeo excellence - it is a beacon of hope, a celebration of Western heritage, and a shining example of what can be achieved when a group of passionate individuals come together for a common cause.

As the 19th edition draws to a close, the excitement and anticipation for the years to come continue to grow, cementing the event’s place as a must-see destination for rodeo enthusiasts across the region and beyond.