The Ellensburg Rodeo Top Hands

We’re looking for more volunteers!

Top Hands Information
Top Hands Application

If you are interested in being a Top Hand for 2025 , applications are due by 12/31/24.

Please email your questions and applications to info@ellensburgrodeo.com.

The Ellensburg Rodeo Top Hands Association formed an all-volunteer group called the “Top Hands” in 1988. This group consisted of 25 members hand selected from diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills. Today, the Top Hands have only two of the original members remaining in their group.

Their mission is simple and straight forward, “support the Directors of the Ellensburg Rodeo Board in successfully putting together the Ellensburg Rodeo and all associated Labor Day Weekend events.”

The membership serves a three year term at the discretion of the Rodeo Board.  Regular meetings are held on the first Monday of each month.  Officers of the Top Hands are elected by the membership for one-year terms and consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member at Large – all subject to approval of the Rodeo Board of Directors.

The Top Hands were instrumental in creation of the Ellensburg Rodeo Commemorative Bronze and Print series.  This special fundraising project highlights all seven PRCA events.  Each series has 23 limited bronze editions and 100 commemorative prints available.

Each Top Hand is assigned to various committees and responsibilities i.e., merchandising, fundraising, sponsorship/awards, contestant and Visitor parking, Behind the Chutes beer garden and Trading Post Saloon, volunteer refreshment tent, children’s activity corral, Yakama Nation Encampment, grand parade, Xtreme Bulls, royal court, and autograph session.