DODGE CITY, Kan. – Dodge City Roundup Rodeo is a community event that reaches a region.

The proof comes from the six nights of action, including five nights of traditional rodeo set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6, at Roundup Arena. But on top of that, there A Whole Lotta Bull, which takes place at the same time Tuesday, Aug. 1.

“There is no way this happens without our incredible partners,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, president of the committee that produces the annual event. “We have some amazing sponsors who are always behind us.

“We are one of the biggest rodeos in the country with regards to the purse, and that goes back to our community being so supportive.”

Roundup Rodeo is a world-class competition, but there’s much more than the incredible payout to the cowboys and cowgirls. It is an all-encompassing entertainment package that is part of Dodge City Days.

“Roundup has been a Dodge City Days tradition for many years,” Trotter said. “We feel like we’re a good event to wrap up this community celebration.”

That also means having support from Ford County and the city of Dodge City.

“Because of our relationship with the county and the city, we’ve been able to do some things with our facility,” said Joel Redman, vice president of Roundup. “Because of grants we’ve received, we’ve built premium seating, replaced a building that needed it and upgraded our livestock pens.

“It’s nice to see both the city and county involved in our rodeo and trying to make it the best it can be. I think that says a lot about the support we receive.”

It also says a great deal about the type of event Roundup Rodeo is. In addition to having hundreds of the top contestants in the game in town for several days in early August, the rodeo brings in spectators from all over the region.

That not only means a great deal for the rodeo but for other businesses in town. There is a certain buzz generated during rodeo week.

“I have been absolutely amazed at the reception I get from literally everyone in this community,” said Elaine Gall, Roundup’s office manager. “I believe Dodge City business people understand the value of the Dodge City Days festival in general and Roundup in particular.”

That’s what having a community event is all about, and nobody understands that more than the various entities in Dodge City.