Event slated for July 1-3

By Holly Neumann

COVID-19 concerns kept Manawa from holding the Mid-Western Rodeo last year.

It’s a different story this year, however, as the rodeo will take place Thursday to Saturday, July 1–3 at Hoffmann Memorial Park, E5888 County Trunk B.

Rodeo chairman Peter Ziebell is looking forward to the event.

“We’re ready to go,” he said. “It seems like it’s been years since we’ve done this and hopefully, it will help bring a little bit of normal back to our community.”

Besides more than 200 contestants and a new event, girls’ breakaway roping, spectators will see a show that includes rodeo clown Dusty Myers, trick rider Dusty Crain and drill teams.

July 1 is Family Night, July 2 is Military Appreciation Night and July 3 is Family Day.

Vendor stands, food stands and arena gates open at 6 p.m. July 1. Pre-rodeo music will begin at 7 p.m., with the rodeo to follow at 7:30 p.m.

The Rodeo City Riders Drill Team will perform during the intermission. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m., with a free dance with music by the Austin Healey Band to follow.

Military members are invited to attend the July 2 performance. They must present their military ID or American Legion Membership Card at the time of ticket purchase and will receive a free seat in the reserved Military/Veteran seating area.

“Rodeo is founded on morals and principle,” Ziebell said. “I believe it’s important to show respect all who served.”

Fans and contestants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Vendor, food stands and arena gates will open at 6 p.m. Pre-rodeo music will begin at 7 p.m., with the rodeo to get underway at 7:30 p.m.

The Rodeo City Riders Drill Team will perform during the intermission and a free dance with music by the 308s will begin at 10 p.m.
Family Day on July 3 which includes two rodeo performances and other special events.

The day will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the Stampede Fun Run/Walk at Lindsay Park, followed by the rodeo parade in downtown Manawa at 10 a.m.

Vendor stands, food stands and arena gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The annual chicken BBQ will take place during this time, along with Sizzlin’ Sonny’s Rockin’ Roadshow.

Pink Ribbon Rebels

The first rodeo performance is set for 2 p.m. and the Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team will perform during intermission.

The Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

“If you ask anyone you know, odds are they know someone whose life has been affected by this disease,” Ziebell said. “We are trying to help spread awareness and help with the fight against cancer.”

Vendor stands, food stands and arena gates will once again open at 6 p.m. Pre-rodeo music will begin at 7 p.m., with the final rodeo performance of the weekend to follow at 7:30 p.m.

The Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team will perform during intermission and a free dance with music by the Rejects will follow.

Advance ticket prices for reserved seating are $18 for adults and $9 for children. General admission is $16 per adult and $7 per child. All tickets are $1 more at the gate and personal checks are not accepted for payment.

More details can be found at www.manawarodeo.org.