ROCHESTER — Since setting up shop at the Rochester Fair Grounds in June, the New England Rodeo has roped in large crowds, leading to the addition of new bleacher seats on Saturday, August 9.

According to New England Rodeo Strategic Advisor and Producer Kelly Pina, 300 additional bleacher seats were added to the grounds due to large crowds and attendees having to stand on busy nights when every seat is occupied.

“We want to make sure we can accommodate as many people having seats as possible,” she said.

The bi-weekly rodeo regularly attracts over 1,000 attendees for an average night, with special events often receiving upwards of 2,000 audience members.

“We’re having a great season [and] drawing in a good-sized crowd,” said Pina. “We absolutely love being in Rochester, the local support from the community, the police and fire [departments] — just the town in general has been amazing and so welcoming.”

In addition to new bleachers, the rodeo corralled two new food trucks: the Rochester-based George’s Wiener Waggin’ truck and the Dartmouth-based Mini Donut Bites truck. They will join the company of returning food trucks such as the New Bedford-based Phoenix on the Fly, Shiska Lemonade of New Bedford, Cup of Jo Jo’s Coffee of Dartmouth,  JJ’s Ice Cream Express, Glo Barbecue and Cape and Island Concessions.

“We added two new food trucks to the mix tonight to help reduce lines, and one of them is also another local Rochester business. We’re just trying to support the town that’s been amazing [at] supporting us,” said Pina.

The rodeo has also added new specialty acts. Country singer-songwriter Timothy “The Real Boston Cowboy” James performed on Saturday, August 9 with a live fiddle player prior to the start of the professional rodeo events. The artist performed a mix of original songs and covers, including tracks by Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson

“It’s Saturday night, and it’s beautiful!” said James of the rodeo.

Equestrian vaulters were also added to the rodeo’s program. The specialty act requires a competitor to dance and perform a gymnastics routine while on horseback. 

Professional vaulter and Rochester resident Elsie Woodland and youth demonstrator Ayla McCoskery each showcased a routine throughout the evening.

Regularly scheduled competitions, such as bull riding and barrel racing, occur each Saturday that the rodeo is held.

The next rodeo will take place on Saturday, August 23 at 65 Pine Street, with the youth rodeo starting at 6:30 p.m. and the professional rodeo beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission costs $25 per person, and children ages 5 and under are free. Additional information can be found online at https://www.nerodeo.com/.