Calling all cowfolk

In 1987 the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association legitimized a diminutive, North Idaho roundup by adding it to its growing circuit.

Since then, the Coeur d'Alene-based rodeo — formerly known as the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo — has budded, attracting some of the sport's more eminent figures. World champions like tie-down roper Tuf Cooper and barrel racer Mary Walker have even dirtied their boots at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Now, a year after the event's largest participant and spectator turnout, it's adjusting its look accordingly.

The 30th edition of the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, with performances going Friday to Sunday at the fairgrounds, has changed its name to the Gem State Stampede. A new logo and revamped arena coincide with the change.

"It's become such a fun event, we've continued to build upon it, creating a larger event and changing some things, including the name," Fair Board member Zach Bane said.

On Thursday, a one-night PRCA event, Extreme Bulls, will feature some of the world's top bullriders. The event begins at 6:30. Friday and Saturday's performance portion of the Stampede begin at 6:30 and at noon on Sunday.

Around 300 cowboys and cowgirls are registered this week, vying for a winner's buckle and more than $4,000 in their respective events. Extreme Bulls features a $10,000 purse.

Dave Paul, a member of the rodeo's committee for more than a decade, has experienced the growth first hand and lauds the recent

improvements. Upping the winner payout last year was perhaps the biggest boon.

"When you improve your purse money, you get better pros to come," Paul said. "And there's significant improvements to the arena with new roping and bucking chutes. We thought this was the time to re-brand and it's a pretty cool way to brand it."

As of Tuesday, 67 barrel racers, 70 steer wrestlers, 51 tie-down ropers, 38 team ropers, 23 saddle bronc riders and 18 bullriders were entered for the Stampede.

A year ago, seven of the world's top 10 bullriders competed in Coeur d'Alene before qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo.

This weekend, top-ranked steerwrestler Ty Erickson will be among the field. The Helena-grown bulldogger has earned $77,000 in PRCA cash this season.

Team ropers Riley and Brady Minor from Ellensburg — the brothers are both ranked in the top 10 of the most recent PRCA rankings — are a couple of the headliners in the Lake City this weekend.

Walker is back in Coeur d'Alene and will be, by far, the most decorated barrel racer.

Those names are just a few of the former NFR qualifiers who will dot the event sheets this week, but there will also be some local flavor.

Paul's 21-year-old son, Jake, a tie-down roper, is in the sophomore season of his professional career. The Post Falls resident joins bulldogger Colton Jensen (Coeur d'Alene), Jacob Paul and Coeur d'Alene barrel racers Alex Bliss and Kathy Grimes.

"This rodeo has built upon itself the last few years, selling out three of the four nights," Bane said. "We want to keep that going."