The rodeo kicked off with Military Night on Friday, honoring those who have served in the armed forces, both past and present.

Cowboys held on tight during bareback riding and saddle bronc riding while their horses tried to throw them off. Things got messy during steer wrestling as recent rains have made areas of the arena more like mud pits and less like rodeo grounds.

Other events include team roping, tie down wrapping, barrel racing, bull riding and the wild horse race. For the young cowboys and cowgirls, there is mutton bustin’ and youth bull riding each night.

New this year is the Sheep Scramble for kids ages 8-12. Money will be stuck to three sheep and the first to get the cash wins the cash. Signup will be open for the first 20 kids each day and will start two hours before the rodeo.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Kyle Bloomquist, of Raymond, holds on tight to "Swamp Sister" as his hat flies off during bareback riding during the first night of the 2021 Dayton Championship Rodeo on Friday night.

The rodeo will continue through the weekend. There will be a free kids corral in the park from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday, and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday. Kids will be able to meet and get autographs from the rodeo clown, cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo queens.

Vendors, food, rides and games will be in the park all weekend.

The rodeo starts at 7 p.m. tonight and Sunday night.

Monday will kick off with the Dayton Labor Day Parade at 10 a.m., followed by the rodeo at 1:30 p.m.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Mud flies up as Peter Anthony Fager, of Fort Scott, Kansas, tries to take down a steer during the steer wrestling event at the opening night of the 2021 Dayton Championship Rodeo on Friday night.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Ty Standley, of Marshalltown, kicks up some mud as his steer gets away during steer wrestling at the opening night of the 2021 Dayton Championship Rodeo on Friday night.

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
Dirt sprays as Justin Morehouse of Mound City, Kansas, tries to wrestle a steer to the ground during the first night of the 84th annual Dayton Champion Rodeo on Friday night.