GIDDY-UP GUIDE: BUCKEYE DAYS

Y’all ready for some good ol’ Western fun? Buckeye Days is just around the corner, 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 brushing up on your Cowboy Lingo to diving into the event’s rich history, planning your trip, and exploring the best of Buckeye, I’ll make sure you’re ready to saddle up for an unforgettable time. So grab your boots and let’s hit the trail!

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 hers 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.

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. Even cowboy singing star, Gene Autry, joined the fun! Helzappoin 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.

• 🛀 Restooms: 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 free shuttle will be running between 6th Street Plaza & Buckeye Valley Museum.

Friday (January 24th)

• Day: Meet the Rodeo Queens, Barrelman, and Bull Fighters | Kahoots - 19555 W. Indian School - Buckeye | 1-3 PM

• Evening: Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - Tickets Req’d | Cowgirl breakaway roping - Cowboy bull riding | Gates open @ 5:30 PM - Rodeo @ 7:30 PM

Saturday (January 25th)

• 9:30 AM

  • Cattle Drive Parade | Monroe Avenue

• 10AM - 2 PM

  • 6th Street Plaza: 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, Inflatable Mechanical Bull, and Chuck Wagon Cook-Out - $8 | 10AM - 2PM

• 11 AM

  • 🖌️ Bowls for Hope - Paint a Bowl Benefiting All Faith Community Services - $25 Donation - Tickets Req’d | Cotton Blessings - Downtown Buckeye

• 2 PM 

  • Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - Tickets Req’d | Full Rodeo w/ Mutton Bustin’ | Gates open @ 2 PM - Rodeo @ 4 PM

Sunday (January 26th)

• Helzapoppin’ PRCA Rodeo - Tickets Req’d | Family Day - Full Rodeo - Discounted Tickets | Gates open @ 12 PM - Rodeo @ 2 PM

• Barbon Asadero (Lunch & Dinner) | 11AM - 10PM

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

• Cafe 25:35 (Breakfast & Lunch) | 7AM - 2PM

• Gelato Tavern (Coffee and baked goods! The best espresso (add gelato!!!) - see my review of them here) | 9AM - 9PM

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

• The Tack Room (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) @ The Rodeo Event Center) | 8AM - 11PM

SHOP

• Screws & Sparkles | 343 E. Monroe Avenue | 9 AM - 4 PM

  • Be sure to stop by and check out the new Western Love collection, just in time for Valentine’s Day! This collection lineup is filled with rustic finds, handmade goods, and fresh apparel. There are always so many surprises to be found at S&S! And the overall store decor is… a vibe!

• The Outlit | 323 E. Monroe Avenue | 11 AM - 7 PM

  • Just found out about The Outlit today thanks to Sophia (of Screws & Sparkles) sharing about it in her Instagram stories. In checking it out myself (on Instagram) it looks like a great place to find unique things, with inventory constantly changing.

THAT’S A WRAP

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. We’ll see you out there, partner!

If you go, please let me know! 😉 

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