Helzapoppin’ Rodeo leads Buckeye Days Wild West celebration

The 97th Annual Helzapoppin' PRCA Rodeo, “The Valley’s Oldest Rodeo,” leads off Buckeye Days Friday. The rodeo runs through Sunday at Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center.

The rodeo is expected to draw top pro rodeo competitors in bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.

Saturday’s Buckeye Days events will close many streets in the downtown area to accommodate the parade, Wild West show and other activities.

Drivers planning to attend events should plan to park on perimeter streets around the area or take shuttle access available at Town Park at 207 N. 9th St. or the Equestrian Center, 10300 S Miller Road.

Significant events taking place Saturday include the following:

• Buckeye Days Parade and Cattle Drive 9:30 a.m. on Monroe Avenue.
• Chuckwagon Cookout at the Buckeye Valley Museum, 116 W. MC 85.

• 10:30 a.m., Calamity Joe's Magical Wild West Show
• 11 a.m., "Big Iron" Show & Fast Draw Showdown.
• 11:30 a.m., Tom B. Stones: One Man Wild West Show
• Noon, "High Noon Pie Eat'n" Contest
• 12:30 p.m., Dr. Buck's Wild West Gunfight & Stunt Show
• 1 p.m., Calamity Joe's Magical Wild West Show
• 1:30 p.m., "Yee Haw Hollar" Contest
• 1:45 p.m., Tom B. Stones: One Man Wild West Show & Fire Whip