Jacob Hamblin Days Rodeo brings heart, heritage and horsemanship to Kanab

The spirit of the Old West came alive at the Jacob Hamblin Days Rodeo, held June 26 - 28, 2025, at the Kaneplex Arena in Kanab. This multi-day celebration honored the legacy of pio­neer Jacob Hamblin while showcasing the strength, skill and grit of today’s cowboys and cowgirls.

Left to right:

• Boe Button carried the American flag for the national anthem in the youth rodeo with his dad, JT Button, by his side. Photo by the Jacob Hamblin Days Rodeo Committee.

• Billy and Tammy Staton brought their lil’ Bucky training bull to Rascal Rodeo and Billy Staton and Justin Baird give participants a chance to know what it’s like to train for a real bucking bull. Photo by Stacy Cox Photography.

• Brady Hughes, Spencer Holt, Jeff Reese, John Reese of the team Mavericks won first in the ranch rodeo.

• Dusty Reese won first in the barrels at the ranch rodeo with Jaycee Lathim in second and Candace Mecham in third.

• Afton Ballard puts his son on a sheep for some mutton busting, a fan favorite, in the ranch rodeo.

• (L) Wyatt Reese won the 1D in barrels with Red Rock Barrel Club, who co-sanctioned with JHD. (R) Elli Ballard won the wagon races.

The festivities kicked off Thursday evening with a Youth Rodeo at 7 p.m., giving young riders - and even those without horses - a chance to participate. Friday featured a full slate of events, beginning with the Rascal Rodeo, a heart­warming experience tai­lored for individuals with disabilities. Horsemanship clinics, team sorting and barrel racing followed, offering something for ev­eryone in the stands.

Saturday started bright and early with barrel rac­ing, breakaway roping and team roping, all building up to the grand finale: the Ranch Rodeo at 7 p.m. This fan-favorite event brought together elite teams in a thrilling test of real ranch­ing skills.

“Out here, it takes hard work, skill and a little pure luck - that’s the cowboy way of life,” said one committee member. That cowboy ethos was front and center all weekend.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedicated Ja­cob Hamblin Days Rodeo Committee - a hardworking group of volunteers who spend months planning, organizing and preparing every detail to bring this event to life. Their passion and commitment ensure that this celebration of Western heritage remains a cherished tradition in the Kanab community year after year.

Special recognition goes to Sheriff Tracy Glover, who kept the arena grounds in perfect shape from start to finish - a critical factor in the event’s smooth execu­tion.

Gratitude to sponsors and volunteers

Following a weekend of unforgettable rodeo action and community celebra­tion, the Jacob Hamblin Days Rodeo Committee extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors and volun­teers who made the 2025 event a resounding success.

Local businesses, families and individu­als played a vital role in keeping this beloved tradition alive. Their contributions - wheth­er financial, material, or livestock - were es­sential to pulling off an event of this scale and quality.

This year’s rodeo was proudly supported by: Houston’s Trails End Restaurant, Kanab Farm & Ranch, Ram­say Towing & Ser­vice Center, Jenkins Oil Company, Little’s Equipment Rentals, Hayden Ballard - Ozark Hills Insurance, Cody Judd Construc­tion, Lone Buck Ranch, Mineral Springs Beef, Button Cattle Co, Kai­bab Processing, JT Button Trucking, Kane County Travel Coun­cil, Rockin H Ranch, Be Grand Construc­tion, Cox Livestock, Little’s Diesel Service/ Kanab Coal & Rock Products, Waterman Welding & Machine, Big Al’s, Lumber Plus True Value, Brazzen Livestock Equipment, SC Broadband, Audrey Kelly - A&M Account­ing, Muley Crazy and Garkane Energy Coop­erative.

Special thanks also go to Coy Stowell and the Stowell Family HA Farms for providing sheep; Mike Randall of Rope Race Ride for supplying cattle; and Kip Bowler with KB Productions for his outstanding support in rodeo production.

The committee also recognizes Camberly Anderson and Miss Kane County, who volunteered through­out the weekend help­ing with concessions. Their cheerful pres­ence and willingness to pitch in wherever needed added to the spirit of service and community that de­fines Jacob Hamblin Days.

“We truly couldn’t do this without our spon­sors and volunteers,” said one committee member. “It’s their generosity and dedi­cation that allow us to honor Jacob Hamb­lin, celebrate Western heritage and bring our community together each summer.”

As the dust settles on another successful Jacob Hamblin Days Rodeo, the message is clear: the cowboy spirit is alive and well - and it rides strong in Kanab.