The 24th annual edition of the Junction City Rodeo opens tonight and continues on Saturday night at the arena on the west side of town.

Ben Bennett, Former Rodeo Association President, explained how the local rodeo was started.

“Rich Smith, who was a Fort Riley soldier and a would be cowboy – they used to call him Rodeo Rich, and Steve Kraft, the contractor hooked up and decided [to host a rodeo],” said Bennett.

According to Bennett, the original plan was to bring a rodeo to the “Fort Riley area”. Rich and Kraft ultimately brought the first rodeo to Junction City and oversaw its operation.

“They enlisted Jim and Susan Roberts who had a long rodeo history, because Jim’s dad was the National Saddle Bronc riding champion,” said Bennett.

Kraft is still the livestock contractor for the Junction City Rodeo.

Bennett noted that he is already thinking about the 25th silver anniversary of the rodeo. “I’m hoping that the rodeo committee will let me have a sidebar committee for the silver anniversary, 25 years…I’ll just make a few phone calls, put some stuff together and maybe we can have a real nice celebration.”

Bennett served as the Rodeo Association President for over 15 years.

Tickets for this year’s rodeo are available at Orscheln Farm and Home and Country Floral and Gift in Junction City. Advance tickets are $9 for adults and $4 for children 6-12. Tickets will also be available at the gate for $10 for adults, and $5 for children 6 to 12.

The rodeo begins at 7:30 pm tonight and Saturday night at the area just off South Spring Valley Road.