NEWPORT — Drenched in chaps, spurs and patriotic themes, rodeo returns to the Lincoln County Fair with explosive cowboy action during America’s 250th anniversary celebration, July 3-4, 2026.

As the only NPRA-sanctioned rodeo in the Northwest during the sun-drenched patriotic holiday, over 200 contestants are expected to vie for thousands of dollars in prize money pooled by supportive local businesses. The two-day event is free to active and retired military and senior cowpokes 70 and older.

Rodeo offers a thrilling way to showcase riding skills and horsemanship, with fans roaring their approval for the animals, the riders, the flags and the cowgirls who fly them from galloping horseback. With 10 timed and “rough stock” events, the show will be a fitting finale to “Cowboy Christmas” — the busiest time of year for rodeo pros.

A lot can happen in 8 seconds. A champion can be crowned, or a bull can take his revenge. Bucking broncs are proof that horses — and cowboys — can fly. In those split seconds an entire community may come together.

Featuring some of today’s bravest riders, nastiest bulls, tastiest food and coldest beer, the Lincoln County Pro Rodeo is an intimate affair that unfolds in an explosion of bronc riding, barrel racing, bullriding, roping and steer wrestling.

Injuries are common, with risks of falls and animal-related accidents, but the adrenaline rush can be addictive, drawing cowboys back for more (fortunately, one of the rodeo’s sponsors, Pacific West Ambulance, will be standing by to ship injured contestants to a fair sponsor, Samaritan Health Services).
Financial rewards can also be significant, especially in competitive events. According to rodeo industry studies, the typical rodeo contestant earns $15,000 to $20,000 on the “amateur-professional” circuit.

“There are a lot of expenses and when you’re not winning, it gets kind of rough,” said tie-down roper Garret Robinson, a 24-year-old cowboy from Heppner, Ore., who lives in the front compartment of his horse trailer at the 60 rodeos he competes in every summer. “So far it’s been pretty good this year, and I’m breaking even.”

Robinson is expected to return to Newport this year, thanks to rodeo sponsors who rallied to the call with $1,000-plus purses in each category. They include:

• Newport Ace Hardware, 2026 Title Sponsor;
• Newport Fire Dept., Coastal Farm & Ranch Supply, Pacific West Ambulance and Thompson’s Sanitary, 2026 Presenting Sponsors;
• Starker Forest Products, The Barge Inn Tavern, AB Coastal Construction, F/V Jenoah, Road & Driveway Co., Les Schwab Tires, and Oceanview Senior Living, 2026 Rodeo Chute Sponsors;
• and Columbia Distributing/Coors Beer; McKay’s Markets; Feed Corral, Timbers Restaurant & Lounge, Copeland Lumber, Clearwater and Weyerhaeuser, 2026 Rodeo Buckle Sponsors.

The Lincoln County Pro Rodeo takes place Friday, July 3 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. at the Lincoln Co. Fairgrounds in Newport.

Ticket Prices are Adult (12 and older), $20.00 online, $25.00 at the gate; Youth (5–11), $10.00 online, $15.00 at the gate; Military, Senior Active Military or Veteran with ID, or Senior 70+ At the Gate, Free.

For further information about the Lincoln County Fair, which runs July 2-4 with free admission, visit thelincolncountyfair.com.