The annual event, running Wednesday through Saturday, features a veritable bonanza of contests for children of junior high and high school age, including bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway, goat tying, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping and chute dogging competitions.

Ashton Wilson, Golden Spike’s manager of events​, told the Standard-Examiner this year’s rodeo will feature the talents of more than 1,000 entrants across all age groups and events, an uptick from 2024.

Up for grabs across the various competitions will be $87,000 in prizes and awards.

“Anyone who knows rodeos understands it’s not a super affordable sport. So, when you have contestants coming to compete from places like Canada, Pennsylvania and Florida, you know they’re competitive and here to win,” Wilson said. “It makes the event funner to watch knowing the contestants are dedicated to the sport and take it seriously.”

Planning for the event — now in its 14th year — begins in the fall, with entries going live at the beginning of each year.

While bull riding is perhaps the most popular rodeo event, Wilson said that youth events like the Icebreaker offer spectators the opportunity to watch contests like goat tying, pole bending and chute dogging that aren’t typically included in adult or Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos.

In addition to the rodeo events, there will be more than 20 vendors on site through Saturday selling everything from Western jewelry to clothing, blankets and more.

Wilson said the Icebreaker rodeo is an important event for the county and one she hopes to see continue on in perpetuity.

“This event has a huge economic impact for Weber County. Room nights and patronizing our local restaurants and family entertainment centers is all part of the experience. It’s not just contestants coming, it’s their parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.,” she said. “We do our best to make this event welcoming to all those who participate and attend. We love and appreciate the businesses who sponsor this event and recognize the impact this event has on the community.”

For more information, including a full event schedule, go to https://www.intermountainicebreaker.com/.