Welcome to The Days of ‘47 Rodeo - Utah’s largest rodeo and one of its oldest traditions. This is truly America’s original extreme sport!   This year will be better than ever!  The Days of ‘47 Rodeo has moved to The E Center in West Valley City and we are excited about our new location.  We know it will provide a great venue for the rodeo. 

Voted consistently one of the country’s top rodeos by the PRCA, nationally ranked cowboys and cowgirls head to Utah to compete for more then $200,000 in prize money!  These competitors will be up against Cotton Rosser’s Flying U legendary rodeo stock, also nationally ranked as one of the best.  Great stock makes for a great show with championship cowboys and cowgirls competing for the opportunity to compete in the next National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

This year’s entertainment features the return of “Whiplash” the Monkey, riding a sheep dog and herding sheep.  Whiplash is one of our Rodeo’s most requested specialty acts.  He will be appearing at each rodeo performance along with a new event - Chuck Wagon Racing!  This is a new event for the Rodeo and the E-Center.

Tuesday night wear your pink shirts to the rodeo along with our pro rodeo cowboys.  This night is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the fight against breast cancer.  Kids are half price on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Don’t miss the grand finale on July 25^th when competitors take home the cash and get their points for the NFR. 

Our Rodeo Committee

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo Chairman is Brad Harman.  Brad and his team of over 100 volunteers work throughout the year to bring you the best rodeo in Utah to celebrate our state holiday.  Some members of the Rodeo Committee have been with us for over 40 years.  Each year we honor members who have volunteered for five or more years.  We are very proud of this committee and all the hard work they do on behalf of the professional cowboys and cowgirls and the rodeo fans in Utah. 

Rodeo Fun Facts!

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest standing traditions.  Here are a few rodeo facts you may - or may not - know:

• The Days of ‘47 Rodeo is consistently listed as one of the nation’s top rodeos.
• World champion cowboys and cowgirls from around the world compete in this rodeo
• The rodeo was one of the first celebratory events held by the early pioneers.
• The Days of ‘47 Rodeo is over 150 years old!

Days of ‘47 Rodeo History 

Rodeo has been a tradition in celebrating Utah’s heritage 160 years.  The pioneers arrived in the valley in 1847, and in July, 1849 they held their first celebration with a parade and a rodeo.

In the early days rodeo was a community event, organized by people who wanted to be part of the celebration - much like it still is today.  The event was called “Covered Wagon Days”. The Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers eventually took over the organization and planning of the celebration, giving the parade and rodeo uniformity.  In 1943 the decision was made to rename the event “Days of ‘47″ and to incorporate that same year.

The Days of ‘47 Rodeo was held at the Utah State Fairpark from 1943 until 1970.  In 1970 it moved to the Salt Palace for 20 years and then to the Delta Center.  In 2009 the Days of ‘47 Rodeo relocated to the E-Center in West Valley City.

The name most associated to the Days of ‘47 Rodeo is Flip Harmon.  Flip was asked to help build some chutes and gates in 1961 for the Utah State Fairpark for the rodeo.  He helped on the rodeo committee again in 1962 and in 1963 was asked to be chairman of the rodeo, which he accepted.  In 1976 he became president of the Days of ‘47 board of directors, still keeping his role as chairman of the rodeo.  His love for rodeo and his commitment to the Days of ‘47 spanned 36 years.  Flip continued as chairman until his death in 1997 when his son, Brad Harmon, took over as chairman.

 The Days of ‘47 Rodeo has consistently been rated one of the nation’s top PRCA rodeos.  World Champion cowboys and cowgirls compete for over $200,000 in prize money as they make their way to the National Finals Rodeo.  The Days of ‘47 Rodeo is a destination rodeo for these champions.