Lake Chelan Rodeo Spotlights Chickens vs Kids, and the Rodeo Clown

Celebrating Nearly a Century of Rodeo Action in the Lake Chelan Valley

Information and photos provided by Rod Cool, Rodeo Production Manager

Pre-sell tickets for tonight and tomorrow’s Lake Chelan Rodeo are available at Chelan Shell. Gates open at 5 pm each night and the show starts at 7:30 pm. There’s a beer garden on the rodeo grounds and the “world famous” FFA barbecue, so come early and watch the cowboys warm up. See you tonight!

Kids vs. Chickens is Mostly Chaos

The “World Famous Chicken Race” at the Lake Chelan Rodeo is the audience participation part of the rodeo where kids 12 and under can come into the arena and try their luck at catching a chicken turned loose in the Rustlers’ Arena.

You can imagine what happens when you combine a couple hundred kids with 10 birds. 5 minutes of organized chaos, side-splitting laughter and some of the best watchin’ you’ll get to see.

Despite the large number of kids competing, the chickens often win.

Clowning Around is Serious Business for Kyle Bode, Professional Bullfighter and Rodeo Clown

Here is Kyle’s story: I grew up in the small town of Quincy, Washington on a dairy farm. My father took me to a lot of rodeos when I was young, so my mother likes to blame him for my career choice.

But the rodeo clown was naturally something that interested me the most, especially since I was a young wide-eyed goofy lookin kid! After being involved in many other sports in high school I was always being active, so bullfighting and entertainment was an instant attraction for me. Now some years later I am pursuing my passion.

Attending bullfighting and barrelman schools helped get a jumpstart in my career. After winning Top Gun Bullfighter at a freestyle in Liberty, Tx and Bullfight Champion at Hitchcock, Tx. I knew I had the capability to be one of the best, so I set out to climb the mountain!

One thing I really enjoy doing the most is building and creating new acts. I’m a prop guy, I really like using things to add to the humor, like a slapstick comedy with a new age twist. Packing the barrel during the bullriding is something I take alot of pride in, helping out fellow bullfighters and bullriders is very rewarding. I also know how important it is to have a good man in the can from my bullfighting.

Rodeo has become a big part of my life, meeting new people, traveling and entertaining fans! I cannot wait for the road ahead and look forward to being part of the Lake Chelan Rodeo, August 3rd and 4th.