This past weekend, proceedings kicked off with the Utah Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s induction of 2026 nominees for the Cowboy Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Inductees included Lisa Whitman Caddy, Spencer Fox Eccles, Doyle Morrison, Ben Bungo Tanaka, the Golden Spike Rodeo and Ogden Pioneer Days.

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo Chairman Steve Handy told the Standard-Examiner one moment stood out from the evening.

“We inducted Spence Eccles, who’s an Ogden boy and Utah’s premier philanthropist,” Handy said. “The stadium was named after him a couple of years ago when we refurbished it. But of all of the things that have happened in his life — he’s 92 years old — he was just incredibly touched. All of his children were there and a bunch of grandchildren. It was just inspiring.”

He said this year’s induction ceremony also constituted a first.

“It was the first time that actual rodeos have been inducted,” he said.

The next major event in the calendar for the rodeo will be the opening of the “Traces of the West” Friday at the Eccles Art Center at 5 p.m. during this week’s First Friday Art Stroll.

“Hosted by the Eccles Art Center and sponsored by Ogden Pioneer Days, Traces of the West celebrates the enduring spirit, landscapes, and stories of the American West through original works in a variety of mediums,” the Ogden Pioneer Days site said. “From sweeping vistas to quiet, personal moments, the exhibition invites artists to reflect on the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape the West. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, artists are also encouraged to explore themes of history, resilience, and the evolving identity of our nation through a Western lens.”

Also returning once again this year will be Bulls, Broncs & Bands, featuring Chancey Williams on July 18.

Handy said they learned a little bit from having a music night for the first time last year.

“We’re going to try it for three years,” he said. “It’s taken time for people to think about this as something different. The ticket price is a little different. It’s kind of a traditional rodeo, but not all of the stuff that’s done. We had a band that was before Chancey Williams. We’re not having that this year, and so we’ll get right into it.”

This year’s rodeo will also feature specialty act Rider and Bethany Kiesner. Taylor, Utah, native Olivia Favero, the reigning Miss Rodeo America 2026, will also be on hand for festivities. The drone shows will also be returning each night of the rodeo, set for July 20-24.

For more information and for tickets, visit https://www.ogdenpioneerdays.com/.