By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photos courtesy of Carbon Events and Recreation
Since the announcement of its return in March, Carbon County’s Black Diamond Rodeo has provided a flurry of action for rodeo committee members, but the excitement has paid off, as the first-year rodeo was recently named a top two finalist for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Wilderness Circuit’s Small Rodeo of the Year.
This honor stands out as this award is not voted on by a panel of judges or rodeo organizers; instead, it is selected by the rodeo participants themselves.
“These are the cowboys that are coming to the rodeos and participating, saying these are the places that we enjoyed the most, so that was really cool,” expressed Kourtney Cox, director of the Carbon Events and Recreation Complex and a key player in the rodeo’s return. “First place went to Canyonlands Rodeo out of Moab, and they earned that. It’s been a decades-long rodeo. They do a great job. But it was such an honor for Black Diamond to come in number two.”
Beginning planning for the rodeo in fall of 2024, the rodeo committee set a simple goal: bring back the rodeo and deliver it with the precision and polish of a seasoned production. This mission was validated as fans packed the grandstands and competitors gathered for a show with enough polish to make even the most seasoned rodeo veterans believe the event had been running for years.
“Speaking with the Circuit President, Del Mark, he said this is a really big feather in your cap, for this committee putting together this rodeo,” shared Cox. “I’ve never planned a rodeo before, I’ve never executed a rodeo before, same with my team. So what a neat thing to know that we’re right up there with those rodeos that have deep roots in their communities.”
The fun doesn’t stop after one year; the committee is already hard at work preparing for the 2026 rendition of the Black Diamond Rodeo. Its return is slated for June 5 and 6, 2026, as part of the Carbon County Fair. For more information, visit BlackDiamondRodeo.com or follow Carbon County Recreation and Events on Facebook.
