IRON RIVER — The 53rd annual U.P. Championship Rodeo returned Friday and and continues today in Iron River and the Iron County Fairgrounds after a year off due to pandemic precautions.

Michigan’s only PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, performances are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Central Saturday. Events include bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and saddle bronc riding.

Tickets this year can only be purchased at the main gate. There is a reduced ticket price for children ages 6 to 12, with ages 5 and younger admitted free.

The full schedule includes:

SATURDAY

— 8-11:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at Iron River Senior Center;

— 10 a.m.: Wild West Parade;

— 11 a.m.: Classic Farm Machinery of Iron County Antique Tractor Show and Brat Feed, VFW;

— Noon: Arena gates open, with pre-performance entertainment by Pink Ribbon Rebels and Rodeo City Riders;

— 2 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo performance at rodeo arena;

— 5 p.m.: Arena gates open, with pre-performance entertainment by Pink Ribbon Rebels and Rodeo City Riders;

— 6:30 p.m.: Crowning of 2020 Miss U.P. Rodeo Queen and U.P. Rodeo Princess, rodeo arena;

— 7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo performance at rodeo arena. Those attending are encouraged to wear pink in support of “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” to promote breast cancer awareness and research.

For the latest schedule, check back for updates at http://upprorodeo.com/schedule/.