As the community looks forward to the 81st Annual Weiser Valley Roundup, the energy at the Fred Hust Arena is stronger than ever. The past year has been filled with exciting improvements, community involvement, and events designed to give both youth and adults the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow.
Expanding Opportunities for Youth and Families
From the Buckaroo Breakfast and Buckle Series Play Days to live bands and dancing after the rodeo, there has been something for everyone. The Weiser Valley Roundup Royalty has proudly represented the community across the Treasure Valley, traveling hundreds of miles to attend parades and rodeos.
This year also marked an exciting milestone: under the leadership of Queen Director Emily Pope, the Roundup now has a full royalty court for the first time since 2018. The new lineup includes Senior Queen Felicity Bequette, Junior Queen Emily Travers, and Princess Ava Jackson, all dedicated ambassadors for Weiser’s rich rodeo heritage.
Adding to the year’s highlights, the community came together for the First Annual Rodeo Gala, with proceeds going toward scholarships and royalty travel. The funds will also help support the return of the Weiser Junior Rodeo, an event not held since 2010. The goal: to help local youth chase their rodeo dreams, one buckle at a time.
Major Arena and Facility Improvements
The Weiser Valley Roundup Board and volunteers have been hard at work making major upgrades to enhance the rodeo experience for both spectators and participants. Some of the many accomplishments include:
• Covering two-thirds of the grandstands, providing shade and comfort for spectators.
• Repairing and painting bleachers for improved safety and appearance.
• Replacing the old ice cream trailer with a new building for Mann Creek 4-H youth.
• Repairing and replacing back pens to ensure the safety of animals and staff.
• Purchasing a new sound system, allowing the Roundup to operate independently.
• Expanding and renovating the cook shack, thanks to a generous donation from the LOR Foundation.
• Installing cameras and TVs in the cook shack so visitors can watch the rodeo while ordering food.
• Replacing arena lighting and adding truckloads of fresh sand to improve footing.
• Painting the bucking chutes in bold patriotic red, white, and blue.
These upgrades represent countless volunteer hours and community generosity, true evidence of the Weiser spirit.
Looking Ahead
The Roundup team has even more plans in motion. They hope to:
• Replace the aging water truck.
• Add new fencing and gates on the east side of the property (West 9th Street) to improve security and create a separate entrance for contestants and spectators.
• Bring back the Ranchers Rodeo, which last took place in 2019.
• Expand Play Day events, which have become very popular with horse enthusiasts seeking both friendly competition and skill-building opportunities.
• Host open roping and barrel racing events to further engage the community.
Above all, their biggest dream is to revitalize the Junior Rodeo, reviving a cherished Weiser tradition and inspiring the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.
Get Involved and Support the Tradition
The Weiser Valley Roundup relies on volunteers, sponsors, and members to keep this long-standing Treasure Valley tradition thriving. Memberships are only $10 for individuals and $20 for families, an easy way to help preserve and grow one of the region’s oldest community celebrations.
If you’d like to help, consider joining, sponsoring, volunteering, or donating. Every contribution helps keep the rodeo alive and supports youth programs that build confidence, character, and community.
Leadership and Royalty
Board Members:
• President: Tim Eiguren
• Vice President: Dan Gluch
• Secretary: Cindy Lackey
• Treasurer: Zane Davis
• Grounds Director: Ken Neufeld
• Concessions Director: Barb Neufeld
• Queen Director: Emily Pope
• Event Director: Trina Whittaker
• Sponsorship Directors: Trina Whittaker, Chris Moore, Alyssa Eiguren
• Grand Entry Director: Zane Davis
• Scholarship Director: Zane Davis
• Gate Director: Mabel Dobbs
• Local Entries: Kim Wendelsdorf
• Entertainer/Clown: Chance Whittaker
Other members at the Gala were Richard and Shelley Travers, Monica Martin, and Katie and Garrett Springer.
Royalty Court:
• Queen: Felicity Bequette
• Junior Queen: Emily Travers
• Princess: Ava Jackson
Gala Committee:
Members, Brooke and Brandon Curtiss, who led the planning of this year’s successful Rodeo Gala.
Continuing the Legacy
The Weiser Valley Roundup has been a cornerstone of the community for over eight decades. Its success depends on the dedication of countless volunteers who not only lend their time but also inspire their families and friends to join in.
Please consider being part of the legacy, helping to grow, support, and celebrate one of the Treasure Valley’s longest-running and most cherished traditions.
