Manawa gearing up for another summer performance

By Holly Neumann

Manawa’s busiest weekend of the year is around the corner, as the Mid-Western Rodeo is scheduled for Thursday, June 30, to Saturday, July 2.

The event will kick off with Family Night on June 30. Gates will open at 6 p.m., followed by pre-rodeo music at 7 p.m., a rodeo performance at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks.

Military Appreciation night will be held on Friday, July 1. All military members – past and present – are invited to the event and must present a military ID or American Legion card at the time of ticket purchase to receive a free seat in the Military/Veteran area.

Gates will once again open at 6 p.m., followed by pre-rodeo music at 7 p.m. and the rodeo at 7:30. Fans are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

July 2 will kick off with the Stampede Fun Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m., followed by the rodeo parade at 10 a.m.

“We expect at least 75 entries,” parade chairman Ken Groholski, parade chairman. “The local high school band will play, along with the Pulaski band and the drum corps.”

The parade will also include auto clubs and classic tractors.

The Manawa Lions Club’s chicken BBQ will begin at 11 a.m. at the rodeo grounds and will include a half-BBQ chicken, potato salad, baked beans and milk.

Two rodeo performances are also scheduled. The 2 p.m. show is Family Day, while the 7:30 p.m. show is Tough Enough to Wear Pink.

Specialty acts will include rodeo clown Dusty Myers and Jerry Thornton and his horse, Mr. Bojangles.

Roger Mooney is back for his 26th year as the rodeo’s announcer. He will also entertain the audience at what he calls “the greatest show on dirt.”

Advance reserved ticket prices are $22 for adults and $11 for ages 12 and under. General admission tickets are $20 and $10. All tickets are $1 more at the gate.

Reduced rates are also available for groups of 20 or more for the 2 p.m. show July 2. Tickets are $11 for adults and children. Anyone interested in group rate tickets must purchase them by calling the rodeo office at 800-747-6336.

An ATM is available on the grounds and no personal checks are accepted.

Schedule updates can be found at manawarodeo.org.