The 9/11 Soldotna Tribute Rodeo kicks off today with an opening night of festivities and action at the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds off Kalifornsky Beach Road.
Hosted by the Soldotna Equestrian Association, which teamed up with Alaska’s Healing Hearts, the three-day event returns for a second year after its inaugural event last summer.
The Tribute Rodeo is held to honor the local and national heroes, including members of law enforcement, fire fighters, first responders and military.
Discounts will be given at the door for food bank donations, with $2 discounts for every two donations. The SEA will also be fundraising by “filling the boot” to benefit Soldotna firefighter Tim Weekley, who was injured in a structure fire accident in January.
The weekend begins Friday at 7 p.m. with barrel racing and ranch rodeo displays, then continues Saturday at 1 p.m. with the youth rodeo, a free admission event, and 6 p.m. with the main rodeo. Saturday night’s action will include the Guardian’s Challenge, a rescue race between the local emergency responder departments.
The main rodeo finishes off Sunday at 1 p.m.
