The Caldwell Night Rodeo started as a gymkhana and bucking contest in 1924. The goal was to raise funds to build and equip an up-to-date riding hall and armory for the 116th Idaho National Guard cavalry unit stationed in Caldwell. In 1935 lights were hung and SW Idaho’s first night rodeo was one of the state’s biggest events. Now in its 99th year, Caldwell Night Rodeo is one of the largest and longest-running annual events in Canyon County. Listed among the Top 20 Professional Rodeos AND Top 5 Large Outdoor Rodeos in the nation, Caldwell Night Rodeo features the best professional cowboys, cowgirls and animal athletes in the world and is an annual stop on the professional rodeo tour. Today, Caldwell Night Rodeo brings in around 45,000+ spectators in just five nights of adrenaline-packed rodeo action.

During the CNR the Caldwell Optimist Club operates a food booth with club members and other volunteers. Working with local business Fiesta Guadalajara we provide excellent Mexican food in addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, and beer dogs. We utilize local youth clubs to help hock in the stands and work in the booth. In return, youth earn money for their respective clubs. This is the largest fundraiser of the year and allows us to support youth all over Caldwell.

The College of Idaho (formally Albertsons College) is located in the heart of Caldwell, Idaho. The college has a fantastic football team that uses Simplot Field for all home games. Simplot field is conveniently located next to the Caldwell Night Rodeo grounds and allows the Caldwell Optimists to provide concessions during the home games.  Youth clubs also help at these events by hocking in the stands and working in the booth. This is our second largest fund raiser of the year.