Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo

IRON RIVER — The 53rd annual U.P. Championship Rodeo returns Friday and Saturday to Iron River and the Iron County Fairgrounds after a year off due to pandemic precautions.

Michigan’s only PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, performances are set for 7 p.m. Central time Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Events include bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and saddle bronc riding.

Tickets this year can only be purchased at the main gate and are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, with ages 5 and younger admitted free.

The full schedule includes:

FRIDAY

— 8 a.m.: Queen and Princess horsemanship, Rodeo Arena;

— 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Market Days, downtown Iron River;

— 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale, West Iron District Library, Iron River;

— 11 a.m.: Queen and Princess modeling and questions, at Market Days;

— 5 p.m.: Arena gates open, with pre-performance entertainment by Pink Ribbon Rebels and Rodeo City Riders;

— 7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo performance at Rodeo Arena. Those attending are encouraged to wear purple in support of “Man-Up Crusade,” an effort to reduce domestic violence and foster social change by promoting safe and healthy relationships through education, advocacy and funding community services and programs.

SATURDAY

— 8-11:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at Iron River Senior Center;

— 10 a.m.: Wild West Parade;

— 11 a.m.: Classic Farm Machinery of Iron County Antique Tractor Show and Brat Feed, VFW;

— Noon: Arena gates open, with pre-performance entertainment by Pink Ribbon Rebels and Rodeo City Riders;

— 2 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo performance at rodeo arena;

— 5 p.m.: Arena gates open, with pre-performance entertainment by Pink Ribbon Rebels and Rodeo City Riders;

— 6:30 p.m.: Crowning of 2020 Miss U.P. Rodeo Queen and U.P. Rodeo

Princess, rodeo arena;

— 7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo performance at rodeo arena. Those attending are encouraged to wear pink in support of “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” to promote breast cancer awareness and research.

For the latest schedule, check back for updates at http://upprorodeo.com/schedule/.