“This two hours of fast, thrilling family entertainment,” said Kendra Breitspecher, a member of the Dayton Rodeo Celebration Committee. “We put on four shows with world-class cowboys and cowgirls, all out of a town of only 850 people.”

Returning to the Dayton Rodeo this year will be announcer Boyd Palhamus. He was named Announcer of the Year, three years in a row (2007 to 2009), and has been selected twice to work the Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello, Idaho.

In addition, he’s announced the Montana, Turquoise, Badlands, and Southeastern Circuit Finals, as well as the Texas Circuit Finals 10 different times.

The action will stem from the professional rough stock events of bull riding, bareback riding, and saddle bronc riding, as well as timed events of barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie down roping.

A specialty rodeo act from Springfield, Missouri, “Trixie Chicks Trick Riders” will bring a bit of flash to the rough-and-tumble Dayton Rodeo.

The Dayton Championship Rodeo will also hold novice events, which give local beginner cowboys a chance to show thier skills in the arena. The novice events include the wild horse race, mutton busting, and junior steers.

In between the action, four time Pro-Rodeo Clown of the Year, Lecile Harris, will entertain the audience. Harris will bring a very creative, spontaneous, slapstick, blend of magic, and standup comedy in curious ways that will leave the audience wanting more.

Also joining the Dayton Championship Rodeo for the 80th anniversary will be the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders. The Trick Riders are an elite all-female specialty act based out of Springfield, Missouri.

“The riders will bring a bit of flash to the rough-and-tumble Dayton Labor Day Rodeo,” said Kelsey Temmen, of the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders. “This is the perfect chance to meet the Chicks at a bargain price. ”

Audience members will see the Chicks hanging by one foot with their heads dragging on the ground to standing proudly atop their horses at full gallop.

-Messenger file photo Brazen Wertz, 2, of Montrose, Colorado, tries to get his dad, professional bull fighter Bo Wertz, to follow him as he talks to a group of students about his profession during the annual Kids day at the Dayton Rodeo in 2016.

Along with the Trick riders, guests can expect to see the local serpentine riders from around the area perform.

To highlight the 80th anniversary, the Rodeo has added a new game called “Knockerbull Barrel Racing.” In the game, three contestants each night will be racing against one another at the same time along with the bull in the arena. Each contestant will be running a barrel racing pattern, and the first one to cross the finish line without the bull diverting their path wins.

Entry fees for knockerbull barrel racing is $10 per contestant. Contestants must be 18 years or older to participate.

The Rodeo always has royalty and this year is no exception. The 2017 Senior Queen is Mya Porter, and the Junior Queen is Hailey Tuel. Krystal Nelson will be the American flag carrier.

Outside the arena, concessions and bingo games will be offered throughout the weekend, as well as a flea market and carnival rides. Guests can buy a wristband for $15 for unlimited rides on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.

-Messenger file photo Bill Tutor, of Huntsville, Texas, works to stay on for 8 seconds during the bareback bronc riding event at the 2016 Dayton Rodeo.

The annual Dayton Championship Rodeo Parade will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 4 During the parade, there will be a special appearance by the Charros Drill Team Riders.

There will also be a “meet & greet” before each show, from 5 to 6 p.m. allowing guests to get pictures and autographs with the performers. On Monday the meet and greet will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Guests will have a chance to meet Harris, the Trick Riders, cowboy kings and cowgirl queens, and the serpentine riders.

Tickets for the Rodeo are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Children under 6 years are admitted free.

“We decided to keep the price of the tickets the same this year so you will be getting more bang for your bucks,” Breistpecher said.