Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Draper Days Rodeo begins with heat precautions amid triple-digit temperatures in July.
- Organizers provide shade tents and misting stations to ensure spectator comfort.
- Trick rider Audrey Snellman emphasizes animal care in extreme heat conditions.
DRAPER — Triple-digit temperatures are greeting visitors as the Draper Days Rodeo officially kicks off this year's Draper Days celebration, prompting organizers to add extra measures to help keep spectators comfortable.
Large shade tents and misting stations have been set up around the rodeo grounds as crews prepare for hot July weather. Even with the heat, city leaders say residents know how to handle summer temperatures and are ready to enjoy one of Draper's biggest traditions.
Among those preparing for the rodeo is trick rider Audrey Snellman, who will entertain crowds with her high-energy performance.
"I'm a trick rider," Snellman said. "I like to think of it as sort of a halftime show."
Snellman said connecting with the audience is one of her favorite parts of performing.
"I also love working with the crowd," she said.
While spectators may be looking for relief from the heat, Snellman said she and her horses are also taking precautions. Performing in temperatures near 100 degrees requires extra attention to the animals' health and hydration.
"We always make sure our horses have lots of water in front of them, and we do give them electrolytes for sure," Snellman said.
She said the horses are accustomed to warm weather, but proper care remains essential.
"The extreme part is the sport, so we just have to make sure that we're handling that as well as we can and giving them all the resources they need to still have those abilities and things that they already know how to do," she said.
Vendors are also preparing for long hours in the sun.
"It feels like, as a vendor, you can never have enough water," said Heidi Kamacho, who was setting up a booth to sell handmade jewelry.
Kamacho said hot weather has always been part of the Draper Days experience, but this summer feels especially warm. She praised city officials for taking steps to protect attendees and workers.
"I'm grateful it sounds like the city is following the appropriate measures to make sure that people are protected, especially us as vendors, because what people might not see behind the scenes is that as vendors, you're standing outside in the heat, come rain or shine," Kamacho said.
Draper Mayor Troy Walker encouraged people to plan ahead before attending events.
"It's Utah. It's hot," Walker said. "It's July. You've got to have sunscreen, be hydrated, keep yourself out of the sun."
Those recommendations apply to rodeo fans and livestock alike, Snellman said.
"Shade is always great," she said.
Walker noted that weather has rarely forced changes to Draper Days events. According to the mayor, the city has only had to cancel one event in the past due to lightning and heavy rain — not because of extreme heat.
The Draper Days Rodeo serves as the official start of the city's annual celebration, with organizers hoping added shade and cooling stations will help visitors safely enjoy the festivities despite the hot weather.
