The 91st annual Caroline Bighorn Stampede is ready to roll May 16-18.

Once again, popular rodeo events are scheduled such as bareback & saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, junior bull & horse riding, barrel racing and even some fun events for little cowboys and cowgirls such as mutton bustin’.

Terry Pengelly, president of the Ricinus Wooler Community Association says it’s one of the high watermark events of the year.

“It kicks off the summer season for the area,” he says. “We have a lot of good events in our small town, this is one of the bigger ones— probably one of the older ones.”

The inaugural rodeo was in held in 1933, and has been held every year since, except 2020 when pandemic restrictions forced the event to be cancelled.

Along with the rodeo, other events are happening in town. That includes a pancake breakfast benefitting grad 2025 at Caroline School, and a parade on Main St. in Caroline at 10:30 a.m. A cowboy church will be held Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

First-time attendees should prepare by bringing clothing for all weather, and be ready to for a fun weekend of rodeo action, says Pengelly.

Pengelly adds camping during the rodeo is free with admission and that campers should show up early.

“There’s lots of camping space behind the bleachers,” says Pengelly. “It’s first come, first served.”

The weekend will feature evening entertainment at the beer gardens with live music, including returning favorites Mike Larson & Friends.

In 2024, when the rodeo celebrated its 90th anniversary, “We had a very good crowds— it was a good celebration,” said Pengelly.

The rodeo grounds are located five miles west of Caroline, then half a mile north on Highway 22.

(Caroline Bighorn Stampede)