IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 4, 2026
$378,000 Purse Increase Invests in Rodeo’s Top Competitors
CALDWELL, Idaho – The Caldwell Night Rodeo (CNR) is making one of the largest investments in contestants in its 102-year history, announcing a record-breaking $378,000 in added money for the 2026 rodeo.
An anonymous $100,000 donation designated specifically for contestant added money has allowed CNR to increase its purse to $42,000 per event, surpassing the committee’s original planned commitment of $31,000 per event and creating one of the largest contestant purses in the Northwest.
The historic increase reinforces Caldwell Night Rodeo’s position as one of professional rodeo’s premier events and its continued effort to attract the sport’s top competitors. Added money is distributed across eight rodeo events, with equal amounts awarded to both the header and heeler in team roping, creating nine total payouts of added money. When combined with contestant entry fees, it helps create the total overall purse that is available to win for each event at the rodeo. From 2018 to 2025, Caldwell Night Rodeo incrementally increased its added money from $20,000 to $30,000 per event, respectively. This generous donation in 2026 has allowed CNR to boost its total added money to $378,000, representing a 110-percent increase since 2018.
“For more than a century, Caldwell Night Rodeo has been committed to putting on the very best show in rodeo,” said Angelique Rood, President, Caldwell Night Rodeo Board of Directors. “That takes continual investment in every part of the event, especially the athletes who make it possible. We want to create a rodeo worthy of their talent and a championship experience worthy of our fans. This investment helps us do both.”
In addition to the increased purse, CNR has introduced a new $10,000 bonus for the winner of the Caldwell Night Rodeo Western Heritage All-Around Cowboy Award. The award recognizes the contestant who earns the most money while competing in two or more events, honoring the versatility, dedication and skill required to compete at the highest level of professional rodeo.
Competing in multiple events requires additional entry fees, travel, livestock, and other expenses, making the all-around title one of rodeo’s most demanding achievements.
In professional rodeo, contestants are not paid salaries or appearance fees. They invest thousands of dollars traveling the country to compete, and they only earn a return when they place. Purse size plays a significant role in where athletes choose to compete, and larger purses help attract the very best competitors in the sport.
The increased contestant purse is part of Caldwell Night Rodeo’s continued focus on strengthening the event while preserving its western heritage. From facility improvements through its ongoing capital campaign to increased support for contestants, CNR continues to invest in the future of the rodeo.
Caldwell Night Rodeo’s success is made possible by the support of its fans, community partners, and generous donors. Their commitment allows CNR to enhance the experience for contestants and spectators while continuing to give back through hundreds of thousands of dollars invested annually into local organizations and community initiatives.
For 102 years, Caldwell Night Rodeo has celebrated western heritage, competition, and community. The historic 2026 contestant purse increase represents another step forward in preserving that legacy and ensuring the tradition continues for generations to come.
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