The wild west spirit is alive and well in Gilbert, Arizona, as the highly anticipated Gilbert Days Rodeo is set to return in 2023. Focused on faith, family and freedom, the Gilbert Days Rodeo will kick off in Queen Creek, Arizona at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre Friday, November 17 and run through Sunday, November 19. Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre is located at 20464 E Riggs Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142. While the annual Gilbert Days includes a wide array of events for thousands of Arizonans and out-of-state visitors to partake in, the rodeo is one of the most popular and highly-attended.
A Rich Tradition
The Gilbert Days Rodeo has a storied history dating back to the early 1980s. For decades, it has been a focal point of the community’s cultural calendar, celebrating the town’s agricultural and ranching roots. This event brings together generations of Gilbert residents and visitors from across the region to revel in the spirit of the Old West.
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History
In 1978, a group of Gilbert businessmen and ranchers founded the Gilbert Promotional Corporation (GPC) to promote family values, the Western heritage and the town of Gilbert. That corporation is still the driving force behind Gilbert Days and its associated rodeo held every year. Different from the 2022 event, the 2023 Gilbert Days Rodeo will be the first rodeo of the 2024 Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association (GCPRA) season instead of the last.
GCPRA Finals Rodeo
The GCPRA (Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association) Finals Rodeo for the 2023 season will be held three weeks prior, the weekend of October 27 through 29. Information about this association, becoming a member and entering both these rodeos, as well as many others, can be found here.
What To Expect During 2023 Gilbert Days Rodeo
Friday, November 17
- Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
- Performance starts at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 18
- Doors open at 3:00 p.m.
- Performance starts at 5:00 p.m.
- Free all-age dance following rodeo performance with Western Fusion
Sunday, November 19
- Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
- Performance starts at 1:00 p.m.
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Each night, the GPC will give kids the opportunity to begin pursuing their rodeo dreams in the same arena as the GCPRA contestants, either on the back of a sheep during mutton bustin’ or on the back of a steer in youth steer riding. Outside of the rodeo arena, fans can enjoy the midway, carnival, vendors and food trucks! On Thursday, November 16, there will also be a team roping beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Gilbert Days Royalty Court
One other very notable aspect of this annual event that makes it unique and very special to the community is the group of girls representing as rodeo royalty. The Gilbert Days Royalty Court works tirelessly throughout the year promoting the town by traveling across the state and the nation to attend rodeos, help with fundraisers, participate in community service and showcase both the Gilbert community and the Western industry. The Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen is Shai Forman, Gilbert Days Teen Queen is Kialyn Armstrong, and the Gilbert Days Rodeo Princess is Bryton Bradshaw. These three outstanding young women are the Gilbert Days Royalty Court.
Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen: Shai Forman
The 2023 Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen is Shai Forman, who is a native Arizonan, competes in rodeo and is studying for a degree in veterinary science. Following Forman, Kialyn Armstrong has served as the Gilbert Days Teen Queen throughout the 2023 season. The 15-year-old barrel racer previously held the Gilbert Days Princess title, and she plans to become either a veterinarian or a chiropractor. Lastly, the 2023 Gilbert Days Rodeo Princess is Bryton Bradshaw, and she’s been riding horses since she could sit up on her own. Bradshaw has never missed the Gilbert Days Rodeo in her 13 years, and she plans to keep that tradition going.
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Info on Steer Riding & Mutton Bustin’
To get your young ones, ages 8-12, signed up to participate in steer riding, you can fill out the form and pay the $40 entry fee online before November 15. For mutton bustin’, just bring those 4 to 7 year olds, who weigh less than 55 pounds, to the arena. You will be able to sign up and pay that $25 entry fee day of, on site at 4:00 p.m. Friday, 2:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday!
Full of tradition and excitement, the Gilbert Days Rodeo is one you won’t want to miss! Get your family gathered up, and make sure everyone makes it out to cheer on your favorite GCPRA cowboys and cowgirls as they kick off their season. We’ll see you there!
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre is a Proud Host of Gilbert Days Rodeo
Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre is proud to host the Gilbert Days Rodeo. You’ll have the opportunity to experience this thirty-eight-acre facility that’s located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. It’s here to provide endless opportunities for events of both Western and English equestrian persuasion, as well as concerts, rodeos, and vendor fairs. This facility is simply a paradise that offers not just one arena but five arenas varying in size with seating offered in each arena and a killer sound system! Space is not an issue as there is plentiful space for trailer parking and spectator parking.
