Wade Sankey of Sankey Pro Rodeo pulled a trick out of the vintage rodeo books last weekend and turned it into something that makes an event safe to produce in mid 2020: A drive-in rodeo.
Last Saturday and Sunday bronc riders were invited to the Sankey family ranch just outside Joliet, MT for two full days of riding bucking horses and practicing social distancing. Fans were allowed to attend the event, from their vehicles.
“A lot of people have accused me of coming up with this idea, and it’s not really my idea. It’s not very original,” Sankey noted. “You know every picture you look at from back in the day when there were Model T Fords and old cars parked around rodeo arenas in Cheyenne and Pendleton and everywhere else. That’s where I stole the idea from.”
An 1890’s vintage scene from one of the first Cheyenne Frontier Days. Photo courtesy of Cheyenne Frontier Days
There was no added money, no entry fees, and no other events outside of bronc riding, but Sankey insured a great time was had by all - humans and horses.
“People kind of got to forget about the problems in America right now and just enjoy some rodeo,” Sanke said.
There will be another drive-in rodeo at the Sankey family ranch on June 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Watch the video above to see the full interview and highlights from the drive-in rodeo.