The Eighth Annual Wapello Professional Rodeo will be held this weekend alongside Chief Wapello Days. Originally, the Wapello Rodeo was sanctioned by the local Iowa Rodeo Association, but eight years ago rodeo organizers partnered with Barnes Pro Rodeo Company, one of the primary providers of livestock for the National Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now, the rodeo is growing each year with over 3,500 people through the gates between the two nights of the event, according to Rodeo Chair Val Vineyard. She added, the rodeo is primarily run by volunteers from both the rodeo central board and FFA, which sponsors the event.

This year, the rodeo will feature a specialty act from Cody Cavanaugh of the Wisconsin Freestyle Motocross Company. Cavanaugh and another rider will perform stunts including backflips on a motorcycle and four-wheeler. Vineyard believes bringing the two extreme sports together will further increase interest and excitement for the event. Additionally, Vineyard says each night of the rodeo, the flag will be presented by a sky-diver dropping into the arena. Local rodeo events begin each night at 5 p.m., with the main event starting at 7:30. For more information, visit WapelloRodeo.com.