Photos: Day One of the 100th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros
The 100th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros kicks off with a day of pro competition, Tucson, Ariz., February 15, 2025.
Kevin Ledesma gets launched right out of the gate during the bull riding on opening day at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025. It’s the 100th year of the rodeo and runs through February 23 at the Rodeo Grounds, 6th Street and Irvington Road.
Christina Gould heads for the line after negotiating the course during barrel racing at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Zach Hibler goes flying short of an official ride in bareback riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Cole Hollen registers the first successful ride and good enough for first place in the bareback riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Cole Hollen retrieves his hat after his bareback ride at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Tucker Bourdet can’t stay mounted in saddle bronc riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Jacob Herdon gets tossed but had already earned a flag during his turn in saddle bronc at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Quint Bell gets a grip on his way to a tie of 11 second in steer wrestling at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Quentin Wheeler can’t get register a time in steer wrestling at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Matt Jodie, his horse and the steer converge as he registers a time of 5.7 seconds in steer wrestling at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Tyler Ravesroft lands gets his arms on his steer during steer wrestling at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Q McWhorter lands on his head after his right foot tangled in the stirrup during saddle bronc at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025. McWhorter registered a score of 75.5 and eventually walked off on his own.
A saddle bronc rider steps off his mount on the first day of competition at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Carson Bingham holds on through a big hop aboard Last Chance at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Tom Simpson lassos his target but can’t register a time in tie-down roping at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Quint Bell ropes his steer on his way to scoring 12.7 seconds in tie-down roping at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Jen Auth tries unsuccessfully to nudge the barrel back up with her foot after clipping it on her second turn in barrel racing at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Mackenzie King makes her first turn in run at barrel racing at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Wyatt New slides off the back of his bull for no time at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Cody McCarroll gets sideways and tossed before time in bull riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Avery Mullins gets dragged around by his bull as his hand stays tangled in his rope at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Dalton Sanchez gets spun and flipped as he loses his seat during bull riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Clean Keith Reynolds gets hung up in his rope and can’t get free from his bull at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Tucson’s Jake Dunham loses his seat and tossed before registering a time at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Heston Harrison tests his stirrup as he get ready for saddle bronc riding on the first day of competition at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Fireworks, smoke and pyro go off to celebrate the start of the 100th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Bull rider Kamal Miller scrapes the old resin from his rope preparing for a ride at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Saddle bronc rider Darcy Wockner sits behind the chutes in the final minutes before the start at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
One of the Tucson Rodeo Flag Team presents the U.S. flag during the opening ceremonies at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros, Tucson, Ariz., February 15 2025.
Kelly Presnell
Photojournalist