Gilbert Days continue with roping, barrel racing

Gilbert’s two-week celebration of equestrian heritage continues with roping, barrel racing and rodeo festivities this week.

Jackpot calf roping will begin 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rodeo Park, 1777 S. Val Vista Drive. There will be barrel racing 7 p.m. Thursday.

The Gilbert Days Carnival kicks off at the Rodeo Park at 3:30 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the carnival runs from noon to midnight.

On Sunday, it runs from noon until 10 p.m.

The Gilbert Days Rodeo, one of the largest in the country, begins 7 p.m. Friday. Gates open at 5 p.m. The rodeo continues at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with gates opening at noon. To purchase tickets, go to www.gilbertdays.com/tickets.htm.

The Gilbert Days Parade is 9 a.m. Saturday and runs through downtown Gilbert, beginning on Gilbert Road at Juniper Road, going south to Warner Road. The parade features floats, equestrian teams, antique vehicles, marching bands and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Gilbert Days began in 1957 as a street dance and celebration of the paving of Gilbert Road. The nonprofit volunteer group Gilbert Promotional Corp. has held the event the past 30 years.