The HomeTown Heroes Youth Equestrian Drill Team returns to the U.P. Championship Rodeo this weekend at the Iron County Fairgrounds in Iron River. The group, which formed in 2022 in Manawa, Wis., rides for local service men and women. They will performs at 5:30 p.m. Friday and again at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds before the three rodeo performances. (Contributed photo)

IRON RIVER — The 57th-annual U.P. Championship Rodeo returns this weekend with a variety of community events and three rodeo performances in the grandstand at the county fairgrounds in Iron River.

The public this year will be able to watch all the action in the arena on the Jumbotron Videoboard, sponsored by GreenPharm Cannabis, with images provided by FrostView Productions.

Thursday the public will have a chance to meet the Miss U.P. Rodeo Queen and U.P. Rodeo Princess candidates during Cookies with the Queens at 1 p.m. at the West Iron District Library at 16 W. Genesee St.

On Friday starting at 8 a.m. the candidates will show off their horsemanship in the rodeo arena. They will also be modeling and answering questions at 11 a.m. during Market Days, which are planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at businesses downtown. Vying for the title of Rodeo Queen is Caitlin Parker of Norway. Kaelyn Clinesith of Ontonagon and Madison “Maddy” Nooyen of Denmark, Wis., seek the U.P. Rodeo Princess title. Miss Michigan Rodeo Anna Sohn will also be in attendance this weekend.

During the Market Days, the Friends of the Library will host their annual book sale and bake sale at the library.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-rodeo performance by the HomeTown Heroes Youth Equestrian Drill Team. The team from Manawa, Wis., formed in 2022. They ride for local service men and women.

The first rodeo performance starts at 7:30 p.m., featuring bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping.

Kyle Lamon, the “Hashtag Rodeo Entertainer,” will return this year. “Hashtag” is known for his roping skills, comedy, acrobatic moves such as backflips from atop a barrel and performances by his dog, Trick.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple for the Man-Up Crusade. The Man-Up Crusade is a non-profit organization designed to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.

A new event is Music on Main, featuring mini-concerts on Genesee Street starting at 7 p.m. with the Black Star Drumline, The Golden Gals MKE, Central High School Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps and the YAVO Rhythm and Drumline. They will also take part in the Wild West Parade along with Superior Pipes & Drums.

A full slate of events takes place Saturday, starting with the annual pancake breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Iron River Senior Center, 814 N. Fourth Ave. Cost is $8 per person for all-you-can eat blueberry and regular pancakes, as well as scrambled eggs, sausage links, strawberries with whipped cream, coffee and milk.

The Wild West Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Franklin and Third streets. It goes south to Adams Street, east to First Street, south to Genesee Street and west to Seventh Street. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

The Classic Farm Machinery of Iron County Antique Tractor Show and Brat Feed is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the VFW Ottawa Post 3134 Hall, 94 E. Genesee St.

The HomeTown Heroes Youth Equestrian Drill Team performs again at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. before both rodeo shows at the fairgrounds.

The first rodeo show will be at 1 p.m. Youth can attend this show for free with a paying adult.

The final rodeo show will be at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink for “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” a nationally recognized campaign and framework for rodeos and western events to help them promote breast cancer awareness.

Miss U.P. Rodeo Queen and U.P. Rodeo Princess will be crowned at 7 p.m. before the final rodeo performance. The queen pageant is open to young women ages 16 to 24, while the princess pageant is open to girls ages 11 to 15.

The 2025 Miss U.P. Rodeo will receive a $1,000 scholarship, award belt buckle, a traveling crown and chaps. The 2025 U.P. Rodeo Princess will receive an award buckle and crown.

Eight different food trucks will be on site in Iron River this weekend: Banaltras, La Catrina, Newch’s Eatery & Bar, Thermal Chaos BBQ, The Grateful Cheese, S&J Foods, Two Dips and an Ice Cream Truck and Smokler’s BBQ & Catering. These trucks will feature food styles that include Mexican, Thai, Italian and dessert options.

Advance adult tickets are $20 or $25 at the gate. Tickets are $8 in advance for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 at the gate. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Attendees are reminded that pets are not allowed this year.

———

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.