Vendors, flea market accompany Buck for the Badge rodeo
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A ranch bronc rider gets a rough start as spectators and rodeo crew look on.
The American flag is paraded through the arena during opening ceremonies for the 10th annual Buck for the Badge rodeo.
Shoppers browse thousands of donated items during the High Country Auxiliary flea market at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds on September 12, 2026.
One of three medical transport helicopters arrives at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds during the event.
A ranch bronc rider hangs on as his horse kicks up dust during Buck for the Badge.
A Native American vendor displays handmade goods at her booth, Diné Creations, during the Fairgrounds Frenzy artisan market.
A bull rider holds on as a rodeo clown follows close behind during Buck for the Badge.
A ranch bronc rider loses his hat during a wild ride across the arena.
Kids chase a rodeo clown during the boot scramble, where they had to retrieve their shoes and tag the clown.
GILPIN COUNTY — The smell of dust, barbecue, and livestock filled the air on September 12, 2026, at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds.
The Fairgrounds Frenzy offered a little bit of everything, with plenty to see, do, and buy. Rodeo riders kicked up dust in the arena while vendors sold food and handmade goods nearby. A flea market, family activities, and Astro Day made for a busy Saturday.
At the center of the action was the 10th annual Buck for the Badge rodeo, which raises money to support first responders and their families.
The action of the day came at 2 p.m. and the 10th annual Buck for the Badge rodeo, also known as Buck for the Fallen. The event raises money to support first responders and their families.
The afternoon started with a tribute to first responders. Police, firefighters, and emergency personnel gathered with their emergency vehicles in the center of the arena.
A rider on horseback carried the flag around the arena in front of local first responders and their vehicles from Timberline Fire, Gilpin County Sheriff, and Central City Fire.
The brave men and women who comprise our local emergency services bowed their heads and removed their hats for the ceremony. The announcer spoke about the sacrifices made not only by first responders, but also by the families waiting for them to come home after each shift. The ceremony also remembered those who have died in the line of duty.
A cannon fired, and the horse jumped, but the rider remained steady in her duty to hold the flag upright.
A moment of silence was held for those lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year marked 25 years since the attacks.
An astounding three medical helicopters also made a dramatic appearance. AirLife, Flight For Life, and Med-Trans each landed at the fairgrounds.
Then it was time for entertainment: watching cowboys and a lone cowgirl fight to stay atop a raging bull for at least 8 seconds.
Ranch bronc riders took their turns on horseback. The wild or half-tamed horses were pretty, and pretty wild. Kids got into the action with a boot scramble.
Kids took off their shoes before a rodeo clown tossed them. They then scrambled to find their shoes and chase down the clown.
Rodeo results
Will Jessop took first place in bull riding with 69.5 points. Rodrigo Palos finished second with 66 points, followed by Iskandar Ocampo with 62.
In ranch broncs, Cooper Kline took first with 76 points and won $732. Ivan Samsgård was second with 73 points and won $488.
Artisan Market
The Blue Knights motorcycle group was also at the fairgrounds. Members said the international organization is made up of active and retired law enforcement officers.
The Colorado chapter was raising money for the family of Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, who was killed in the King Soopers shooting in Boulder in 2021. Talley left behind seven children.
Several Gilpin County political parties and candidates were there to spread their messages, along with local church organizations.
Vendors offered cowboy hats, Gilpin County T-shirts, soaps, and handmade goods. If you needed a snack, NC Squared Ice Cream, JKQ BBQ & Grill, and Chapo’s Tacos were there to satisfy the crowd.
Among the vendors was Adrie Rousseau of Adrie’s Diné Creations. Rousseau started sewing masks during COVID after her daughter needed one for work.
What began with leftover quilting fabric grew into a business making key fobs, lanyards, mug rugs, water-bottle slings, and other handmade items. Her husband helped her set up her Etsy shop, and her business became popular.
Rousseau has since added beadwork and said she hopes eventually to expand into silversmithing. To shop for her goods on Etsy, go to AdriesDineCreations.
Regal Restoration was also among the businesses set up at the fairgrounds. The Aurora-based company handles fire and water damage, biohazard cleanup, and reconstruction, working throughout Colorado.
Representatives spent the afternoon talking with visitors about the services they provide when homes and businesses are damaged.
Flea market
The High Country Auxiliary held its flea market, with tables packed with donated items. One member estimated there were easily more than 5,000 items for sale. She said the event brought in close to $5,000, although the final amount had not yet been counted.
The auxiliary supports local emergency services by supplying goods and gear that may not be in the budget and helping in whatever ways it can.
It was a day to remember and a day to honor the first responders that help serve and protect America and its people. It was also a reminder of Colorado’s ranching and cowboy roots, and how the rodeo keeps that spirit alive.
