The rodeo is a combination of five river rescue events where teams compete for prizes. The Sept. 29 competition runs from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes heats such as the rope throw, the knot rodeo, the yard sale rescue and other rescue scenarios.

The idea was born back in the mid-1990s by a paddling club based in Asheville. However the last River Rescue Rodeo in WNC was in late summer of 1998. Based on popular demand, Landmark Learning, an outdoor education school in Cullowhee, is bringing the River Rescue Rodeo back. The school trains about 2,000 students per year in wilderness medicine and rescue skills and wanted an opportunity for groups to practice their skills in a competitive atmosphere.

The events will take place at the Dillsboro Drop rapid, which has been in place since the 2011 Dillsboro dam removal.

Event organizers are looking for more teams to compete and volunteers to help out.

828.293.5384.