Annual event slated for July 4-6 weekend
By Holly Neumann
The Mid-Western Rodeo comes to town Thursday through Saturday, July 4-6, at the Hoffmann Memorial Park, E5888 County Trunk B, in Manawa.
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, with a pre-rodeo show by the Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team, followed by rodeo family night at 7:30 p.m.
The Rodeo City Riders will perform during intermission and fireworks at 10 p.m.
At 7 p.m. Friday, July 5, the Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team will kick off the evening followed by Wrangler National Patriot-Military Night at 7:30 p.m. The Rodeo City Riders will perform during intermission.
On each of these nights vendor and food stands will open at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, July 6 the Stampede Fun Run/Walk will start at 7:30 a.m. at Lindsay Park, followed by the Rodeo Parade at 10 a.m.
The first performance of the day will be at 2 p.m. The Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance will be at 7:30 p.m.
The Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team will perform prior to each show and the Rodeo City Riders will perform during intermission.
A free and live music will follow each of the evening performances.
All the contestants that come to the rodeo are professionals.
“They are sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association,” said Connie Klotzbuecher, rodeo secretary/treasurer. “The banter between the rodeo announcer and rodeo clown will keep you laughing.”
Specialty acts will include Rockin’ Robbie Hodges, clown/barrelman and trick rider Dusti Dickerson, who rides barefoot.
This year there will also be a petting zoo, pony rides and inflatables for children.
Bringing community together
This is the 61st year that the Manawa Lions has sponsored a rodeo. Because of its longevity, the rodeo is known throughout Wisconsin.
“It’s small-town Manawa’s time to shine and show off its hospitality to everyone who comes to the rodeo,” Klotzbuecher said.
They could not do it without the help of local non-profit organizations.
“Without them, putting on such a large event would be impossible,” Klotzbuecher said. “In turn they are able to earn money to fund their operations. They truly are the backbone of the rodeo.”
As partners with the Lions Club in 2016, the rodeo committed $10,000 to Manawa Area Veterans Freedom Park, $1,000 to the Manawa Rural Fire Department for upgrades to equipment, purchased a tactical vest for the local police department, sponsored the senior banquet, post prom, athletic programs, four college scholarships, Badger Boys and Girls, hanging plants for downtown, eyeglass donations, gave away 1,000 trees, collected Coats for Kids and the Easter egg hunt.
The Mid-Western Rodeo and the Manawa Lions have spent in excess of $40,000 locally in 2018 budget.
“Speaking for myself, my fellow Lions and every other volunteer, we couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishments,” said Rodeo Chairman Pete Ziebell.