BUCKEYE DAYS: GIDDY-UP GUIDE

Y’all ready for some good ol’ Western fun? Buckeye Days kicks off tomorrow and I’ve wrangled up everything you need to make the most of this big weekend event.

Whether you’re a seasoned rodeo fan or a curious first-timer, this guide has got you covered. From diving into the event’s rich history, planning your trip, brushing up on your cowboy lingo, and exploring, I’ll make sure you’re ready to saddle up for an unforgettable time. So grab your boots and let’s hit it!

**Update 01-23-26: Per the city, this is a “rain or shine” event. However, if I learn of event cancellation because of expected rain tomorrow, I will share that information on The Buzz’s Instagram page.

Helzapoppin’ Days began in 1935 by the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce. The festivities have always included a parade and a rodeo, and sometimes street dancing and a carnival. True to the philanthropic nature of our community, proceeds from the event were distributed to local churches who used the funds to assist those in need and to provide scholarships. Cowboy singing star, Gene Autry, even joined the fun!

Helzapoppin’ Days evolved into what we now know as Buckeye Days, continuing the tradition of building community and keeping our local history alive.

• 🚗 Parking: It is recommended that you park in the East parking lot of City Hall and watch the parade from 6th Street Plaza. I have been told there is also ample street parking. Refer to map above.

• 🛀 Restrooms: There will be portable restrooms at 6th Street Plaza. The restrooms at the Buckeye Valley Museum will also be available.

• ❌ Road Closures: Refer to map above.

• 🚎 Shuttle: A shuttle will run between Town Park and the Buckeye Equestrian Center. Check the schedule here.

Buckeye Days are steeped in tradition and the lingo is part of the charm. Here's your cheat sheet to mastering some of the language of the Wild West and specific terms used for this weekend’s event:

• BARRELMAN: Rodeo clown who uses a barrel to distract bulls and entertain the crowd.

• CATTLE DRIVE: The process of moving herds of cattle from one location to another. Cowboys, and their horses and hard-working cattle dogs, manage & guide the herd.

• CHUTE: A narrow pen where animals are held before the start of an event.

• FLANK STRAP: A soft strap placed around the animal’s flank to encourage bucking.

• HEIFER: A young female cow that hasn’t yet given birth.

• HELZAPOPPIN’: Originally the name of a popular 1938 Broadway musical, the term “helzapoppin’” has since come to describe situations or events characterized by pandemonium, high energy, or anything that’s lively and over-the-top.

• MUTTON BUSTIN’: A rodeo event where children (under 50 pounds) ride sheep. Similar to bull riding, the goal is to stay on the sheep as long as possible. Prizes are awarded to those who can ride the longest.

• RANK: A particularly strong and difficult animal to ride.

• RODEO: Adrenaline-pumping competitions including: Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Breakaway, Bull Riding [Source: Buckeye Arena]

• STEER: A castrated male cow, often used in roping and wrestling events.

• STICKY: A rider who manages to stay on a bucking animal with exceptional balance.

Friday (January 23th)

• Meet Danger Dave (Rodeo Clown) | Kahoots - Buckeye | 11 AM - 1 PM

• Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - $23 | Bull Riding & Breakaway Roping Performance | Gates open @ 5:30 PM - Mutton Bustin’ @ 6:30 PM - Rodeo @ 7:30 PM | Buy Tickets

Saturday (January 24th)

• 9:30 AM

  • Cattle Drive Parade | Monroe Avenue

• 10AM - 2 PM

  • Town Park (207 N. 9th Street): Wild West Show (Trick Roping, Gun Spinning, Bullwhips, Trick Horse Riding); Pie eating contest; Vendor fair; Axe Throwing; Food Trucks | 10AM - 2PM

  • Buckeye Valley Museum: Petting Zoo, Kids Activities, and Chuck Wagon Cook-Out - $8 | 10AM - 2PM

• 2 PM 

  • Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - $23 | Gates open @ 2 PM - Mutton Bustin’ @ 3 PM; Rodeo @ 4 PM | Buy Tickets

Sunday (January 25th)

• Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - $23 | Family Day - Full Rodeo - Discounted Tickets | Gates open @ 12 PM - Mutton Bustin’ @ 1 PM - Rodeo @ 2 PM | Buy Tickets

I’ve visited (and loved) and written about some of these eateries. My reviews** — which includes everything you need to know — are linked to each business below:

• Barbon Asadero** (Brunch, Lunch & Dinner) | 10 AM - 10 PM

• Buckeye Valley Museum (Event Cookout) - $8 for Burger + Chips + Drink | 10AM - 2PM

• Casa de Leyva (Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch) | 10 AM - 8 PM

• Crepelatte (Crêpes & Coffee Drinks) | 7 AM - 7 PM

• Gelato Tavern** (Coffee and baked goods! The best espresso (add gelato!!!)) | 9AM - 9PM

• Monroe’s Kitchen (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) | 7 AM - 8 PM

• Saucy Lukes Craft BBQ** (at Buckeye Equestrian Center) | Fri @ 5:30 PM; Sat @ 2 PM; Sun @ 12 PM

• The Heritage @ Old Town** (Breakfast & Lunch) | 8AM - 2PM

• The Sheep Camp** (Breakfast & Lunch) | 5AM - 2PM

• The Tack Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) @ The Rodeo Event Center) | 9 AM - 11 PM

Buckeye Days is more than just an event - it’s a celebration of tradition and community. Whether you’re soaking up the rich history, cheering on the riders, enjoying some chow, or exploring all that downtown Buckeye has to offer, this weekend promises good old-fashioned Western fun. So dust off those boots, grab your hat, and get ready to experience the best of the West. Hope to see you out there, partner!

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