Sho-Bans represent at 2026 War Bonnet Round Up rodeo
Local Native dancers made the trip up to Idaho Falls to represent the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes at the annual War Bonnet Round Up rodeo event July 30.
By YVONNE WARJACK
Sho-Ban News
IDAHO FALLS — Idaho’s oldest professional rodeo returned to Sandy Downs July 30 as the 2026 War Bonnet Round Up brought together professional rodeo competition, western heritage and Native American cultural traditions for four days of events celebrating more than a century of history.
Jesse Tone on horseback during the opening ceremony.
First established in 1911, the annual PRCA-sanctioned rodeo welcomed cowboys, cowgirls and spectators from across the region for championship rodeo competition, grand entry ceremonies and cultural presentations that highlighted the event’s longstanding connection with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
The rodeo featured grand entry riders, Native American dancers, drummers and horseback performers whose colorful regalia and traditional presentations reflected the enduring role of Indigenous culture within the War Bonnet Round-Up.
Spectators watched the featured presentations, including a traditional dance showcase, horseback demonstrations, Native American performers carrying eagle fans and ceremonial items, and riders showcasing horsemanship during the grand entry.
SallyAnne Thomas showcases women’s fancy shawl dancing.
The performances were meant to honor traditions that have been with the rodeo since its earliest years, reflecting the event’s historical relationship with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
Shelby Dee Woolstenhulme, a member of the War Bonnet Round Up Board of Directors who manages tribal relations and has worked closely with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to incorporate their heritage into the event, said the partnership remains central to the rodeo’s history and identity. “We would not have this rodeo without the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes,” Woolstenhulme said. “The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are an essential part of the War Bonnet Round Up. This rodeo is rooted in their history and heritage, and their continued involvement is what makes this event the tradition it has been for generations.” Woolstenhulme added, “It means everything to have their stamp of approval. We would not have this rodeo if it was not for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.”
James Tone rides his horse at the opening ceremony.
The celebration continued with evening entertainment, including a drone light show that illuminated the sky with western-themed displays and colorful aerial formations. A fireworks finale followed, bringing the four-day celebration to a close above Sandy Downs.
