—organisers upgrading seating, infrastructure and vendor spaces

ORGANISERS of the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo 2026 say this year’s event will deliver a bigger, better and more accessible experience for visitors as preparations move into the final stages.
With upgraded seating, expanded vendor spaces and new infrastructure aimed at improving crowd flow, the annual event is expected to attract thousands of spectators.
Chairperson of the Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA), Kyle Joseph, said the planning team has been working since late last year to organise vendors, coordinate sponsors and enhance facilities for what is expected to be the largest rodeo yet.
The event is slated for April 3–5 under the theme “Wild & Bold, Rupununi Stories Unfold.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle ahead of the event, Joseph said much of the preparation has focused on improving infrastructure at the rodeo grounds.
“Primarily what we are focused on this year is improving the stands in which people view or spectate the rodeo,” Joseph said.
Work is also underway to better manage foot traffic through the addition of new entrances, improved seating arrangements and expanded vending areas.
“We are actually fixing some of our infrastructure around the grounds, just putting new entrances, new seating areas and just trying to make sure that the flow of traffic is generally better because in the years gone by, there are some parts that are really choked up,” he explained.
Joseph also noted that interest from vendors continues to grow, particularly from neighbouring Brazil.
“I think this year we have particularly had a lot more interest. There’s usually quite a lot of interest from our Brazilian neighbours in terms of vending space,” he said.
Despite the growing demand, preference continues to be given to smaller vendors and local businesses.
“We try to give preference to our diners, small businesses or persons who might sell food or drinks. Overall, this year we have quite a number at least 40 to 50 stalls and vendors,” Joseph added.

Beyond improved infrastructure and vendor participation, organisers have also expanded the lineup of activities for Rodeo 2026.
Joseph explained that the programme will include new attractions designed to appeal to families, rodeo enthusiasts and nightlife patrons alike.
“It is bigger, it’s better, so there will be more for the kids to enjoy,” he said.
While traditional rodeo events such as riding competitions will remain the highlight, the organisers are also introducing activities for visitors who prefer entertainment and nightlife.
“We will have a party zone. There might be some patrons who want to be in the Rupununi for the rodeo, but the actual rodeo event itself, like horse riding, is not something they want to see, but they still want to enjoy themselves. So, we are catering for them as well,” Joseph explained.
Turning to visitor turnout, Joseph said the team is optimistic that the event will continue its steady growth.
In recent years, the rodeo has attracted increasing numbers of visitors, with attendance rising by approximately 1,000 to 1,500 persons each year.
“In the previous years we have seen steady growth from year to year. From 2022 to last year, each year there were about 1,000 to 1,500 more persons. This year it feels like there will be another bump up to like 2,000 more persons per day,” he said.
Visitor numbers are expected to rise even further as additional events are planned in Lethem alongside the rodeo.
“This year we kind of expect a little bit more. There are a lot more events happening in Lethem, not just those organised by the Rodeo Committee. Other businessmen and women have also planned their own events and concerts,” Joseph said.
“So, it feels like there is a lot more happening, which might draw more persons to Lethem.”