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POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bannock County PRCA Rodeo is finally back in Pocatello, bringing intense competition, clown comedy, and stellar trick riding cowgirls to the community.

“It’s the best show on dirt. Rodeo is the number one sport in America,” stated Dustin Jenkins, rodeo clown for PRCA. “It’s the reason why sporting events go on today.”

The show is partnered with Big Bucks Rodeo to bring nationally ranked and competitive cowboys to perform and compete in many events. Attendees can look forward to 15 bull riders each night, bronco riding, trick riding, team roping and an Indian relay race.

“There’s some NFR stock here, some NFR guys too,” said Lelo Garcia, PRCA bullfighter. NFR means national finals rodeo, meaning cowboys from there compete at the highest level and showcase their top-notch talent. “It’s going to be epic, especially in the bullriding with 15 bull riders each night.”

Something special about the shows is the award given to one lucky fan by Jenkins as the rodeo clown. The “Fan of the Night” Big Bucks Buckle is awarded to the loudest fan in the crowd.

“Each night gets a buckle and I’ll give it away, they can take this thing home, it’s gorgeous,” Jenkins said. “So that’s the fun thing about the performance is getting to give stuff away.”

Jenkins added no matter where he is, the crowd is his favorite part of every show. He not only saves lives by distracting the bulls once they’ve tossed off the rider, but provides entertainment throughout dead spots in the show.

“It’s me and him [the announcer] all night long, we try to put on a performance to make sure everybody’s happy that’s here,” Jenkins said.

The rodeo world isn’t for the faint of heart, but these two have been at it for years, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’ve always liked mean cattle,” Garcia said. “Since I was a little kid, it didn’t make sense to me that everybody sells them and gets rid of them, I love them. There’s some mean ones that will be out at the shows.”

For tickets and showtimes for this weekend’s shows, visit https://www.bannockcountyprcarodeo.com/.

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Memorial Day weekend traffic is already causing major slowdowns and dangerous driving conditions across East Idaho as thousands of travelers head out for the holiday weekend.

Multiple Accidents Stall Traffic Along I-15 Northbound

RVs, trailers, and campers packed Interstate 15 on Thursday as drivers made their way toward campgrounds, mountains, and holiday destinations across the region.

According to the Idaho State Police, the trailer of a semitruck overturned along Interstate 15 around 1:11 p.m. Thursday.

There was another crash involving two vehicles near the I-15 Blackfoot rest area. The two vehicles came to a stop in the median, backing up traffic for miles and causing major delays through the area.

Troopers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prepare for increased congestion throughout the holiday weekend.

AAA: High Pump Prices Don’t Deter Travelers

The busy travel weekend is also expected to come with higher costs at the pump.

Gas prices in Idaho are hovering around $4.70 per gallon heading into Memorial Day weekend. Despite the higher fuel prices, AAA says travel demand remains strong, with nearly 268,000 Idahoans expected to travel during the holiday weekend.

Fortunately, AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde says gas prices in the Gem State won’t hit your wallet nearly as much as in other destinations.

“We’re not in the top ten for the most expensive. California is sitting at $6.15 a gallon today,” says Conde. “So good news, bad news. But the interesting thing, I think we did some research and we found that hotel prices, car rental prices this time around, are actually a little cheaper than they were last year. And so you have to keep in mind that a lot of folks were making those purchases, making those reservations well before all this conflict happened. And so, right now, we would say that the Memorial Day trips are pretty much locked in.”

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Starting on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m., the Century High School soccer fields are no longer for sports, but are a reverent sanctuary and monument for fallen military members and veterans through this Memorial Day weekend. The field was dedicated by community officials and Pastor Doug Smith with American Legion, Post 4 present to post the colors.

The Dedication Ceremony is just the beginning of activities this weekend at the Field of Heroes. It’s not only a place to remember fallen veterans and walk through the 7,086 individual markers, but a place to celebrate hard-fought freedom and liberty.

“It ceases to be a sports field and it becomes a sanctuary, a memory, a landscape of gratitude and a living monument of the ultimate sacrifice,” said Pastor Doug Smith in the dedication address. This year’s program included musical performances by Hiedi Young and the reading of the Joint Federal Delegation Letter by Regional Director for Senator Mike Crapo, Farbana Hibbert.

“They put themselves between us and danger, and threats to our precious republic,” Hibbert read in regards to the fallen soldiers. “They chose bravery and patriotism over their own safety.”

Several veterans were present, including founder of the Field of Heroes, John Rogers. He was honored during the ceremony by Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser.

“We are pledged to never forget the bravery of those who fought for the freedoms of the United States of America,” Moser said. “And to remember the families whose lives were forever changed.”

Military families and Gold Star Families were also recognized at the ceremony. Moser officially declared the Field of Heroes 2026 open to the public. Family and community members decorated markers of loved ones, especially those with larger crosses in the Idaho losses section of the field.

Schedule of Activities

Friday, May 22

• 10 a.m. Dedication Ceremony
• 6 p.m. Youth Ceremony

Saturday, May 23

• 9 a.m. Run to Remember
• 12-2 p.m. Children’s Activities
• 2 p.m. USO Show
• 3:30 p.m. Stasia Acrobats

Sunday, May 24

• 5 p.m. Concert – Shawn Barnby
• 8 p.m. Candlelight Vigil

Monday, May 25th

• 5:15 p.m. POW*MIA Thunder Run Tribute
• 5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony