Contestants for this year’s International Finals Youth Rodeo begin checking in Friday morning and must be in Shawnee by noon on Sunday in preparation for Sunday night’s first performance.
This is the 32nd year for the IFYR, considered one of the world’s richest youth rodeos, which had its beginning in 1993.
Since then, with the exception of 2020 when it had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 11-performance over six days of rodeo has been held each year at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center in Shawnee.
More than 800 contestants representing 1,143 entries will compete for an estimated $320,000 in cash and awards.
Area contestants in addition to Audry Fish and Rye Butler include: Averitt Hayden, McLoud, bull riding. Kyndra Darphin, Carney, breakaway roping. Marcie Ferrari, Chandler, breakaway roping and barrel racing.
Emma Helmick, Meeker, breakaway roping. Lexi Helmick, Meeker, breakaway roping. Blake Huddleston, McLoud, steer wrestling. Brayle Miller, McLoud, barrel racing. Rylee Moore, Chandler, breakaway roping. Rowdy John Pino, McLoud, team roping and tie down calf roping.
Dally Trussell, McLoud, team roping. Gavin Western, Meeker, team roping.