POCATELLO — For 30 years, the Idaho State High School Rodeo Finals has been a staple of the Pocatello community, and this year looks to continue that tradition.

The rodeo got underway Friday with check-ins and preliminary competitions. It runs through this coming Saturday at the Bannock County Event Center, featuring countless events, competitions and the best young rodeo talent.

Nearly 400 contestants will compete — six of the top athletes from each of roughly nine districts across Idaho — all vying for one of four coveted spots in the National High School Rodeo Finals set for July 19-25 in Lincoln, Neb.

Kelly Duffin, Pocatello Rodeo Board chairman, is excited to showcase the immense talent on display over the next week.

"These contestants competed all year long in their local districts and in their areas to qualify to the state finals," Duffin said. "We've got just under 400 contestants and will have over 500 horses on the grounds, lots of top athletes."

Headlining the field is 2025 saddle bronc world champion Trey McFarlane of Wilder, Idaho. McFarlane, who earned a full scholarship from Montana State University, will look to put on another show this year.

McFarlane is the current generation of Idaho's great rodeo competitors. Idaho, according to the National High School Rodeo Association, ranks in the top three in the country in memberships. Idaho has also produced many great professional rodeo riders, including the current No. 1 bull rider in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Tristen Hutchings, a past Idaho state and college champion.

Sunday, June 8, brings the cutting and reined cow horse events.

Rodeo competitions officially began Monday. From Tuesday through Friday, each day carries a theme and features two performances — one at 10 a.m. and another at 6 p.m. — as the field narrows to the top 20 competitors.

To celebrate the top 20 and a week of outstanding performances, a free concert open to the public will be held Friday night at the Pocatello Amphitheater from 9 to 11 p.m., featuring Keagan Park and The Diamond K Band.

The finale arrives Saturday, when the top 20 compete beginning at 10 a.m. for the four national qualifying spots. Awards and scholarship presentations will follow approximately 30 minutes after competition concludes.

This week is a fun week for the riders and the community, but it also has a huge economic impact. As Duffin put it, the event brings millions of dollars into the local economy. The community is encouraged to come out and support these athletes.

Admission is free for children 8 and under and $10 for anyone older, which covers both performances on the day.