Annual event in Manawa marks 65th year
By Holly Neumann
Rodeo fans are gearing up for the Mid-Western Rodeo, scheduled for Thursday to Saturday, June 29 to July 1, in Manawa.
This year’s specialty acts include trick rider Dusti Dickerson, rodeo clown “Danger” Dave Whitmoyer, the Rodeo City Riders and the Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team.
A Family Night performance will be held June 29, followed by fireworks and live music from DAM Country at 10 p.m.
Military Appreciation Night will be held June 30. Military members are invited to attend this special performance at 7:30 p.m. and must present a military ID or American Legion membership card at time of ticket purchase to receive a free seat in the military/veteran section.
Fans are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to show their support.
Events will continue July 1 with the Stampede Fun Run/Walk at Lindsay Park at 7:30 a.m., the rodeo parade at 10 a.m. and a 2 p.m. performance. Sizzling Sonny’s Rockin’ Road Show will entertain at 5:30 p.m., followed by a second rodeo performance at 7:30 p.m.
Pulaski High School’s marching band will be in the parade.
“They will be marching in the 2024 Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade,” rodeo secretary-treasurer Connie Klotzbuecher said. “Dignitaries from the Rose Bowl Committee, including Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian, leading lady Paula Aghajanian, executive vice president Ed Morales and executive vice president spouse Lisa Morales will be at our parade.”
A chicken barbecue will also take place at 11 a.m. July 1 at the rodeo grounds, while a free dance with live music by the Holler will take place at 10 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink in an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Vendor and foods stands will be available each day.
Some changes at the venue will give attendees a better experience, according to rodeo chairman Pete Ziebell.
“We have added two new food merchandisers and three cash registers,” he said. “This should speed up the food lines considerably. We also have assigned seating. This way, we can’t oversell the general admission and it should keep the crowds manageable.”
The rodeo has also added the Women’s Ranch Bronc Championships to the performances.
“Girls from Europe, Australia, Canada and the U.S. will compete,” Ziebell said. “It’s scored very much like saddle bronc riding with a few exceptions: no mark out, you can ride with both hands and you ride in a western saddle. After that, it’s judged on the horse and the rider, much like saddle broncs.”
Advance ticket prices are $22 for reserved adult and $11 for children ages 12 and under. General admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. All tickets will cost an additional $1 at the gate.
Tickets for the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, July 1 are $22 for reserved and $20 at the gate for adults and $11 for children. Call the rodeo office at 800–747–6336 to purchase tickets.
“Tickets will still be sold the day of the show, but we advise everyone to buy online to get the seat they want, as our ticket sales have doubled since last year,”
Klotzbuecher. “A ticket purchase link can be found on the rodeo website, manawarodeo.org.”
An ATM is available on the grounds and shows will be held rain or shine.