Roping. Riding. Guts. Glory. Do you really need more of a hint than that? Well, okay then! Here it goes. It’s rodeo time in Watford City and that, ol’ partner, is reason enough to scrape the mud off those cowboys boots, grab your best duds and mosey on into town to one of the wildest rodeos in the northwest.
The two-day NDRA Rodeo Finals event will feature the talents of North Dakotas’ top 12 competitors in nine events, as they try to become the 2012 NDRA State Champion.
The event is taking place Sept. 7-8 with rodeo action starting at 7:00 p.m. and will include a Calcutta at the McKenzie County Fairgrounds inside the indoor arena, followed by a Play in the Dirt Dance. Go-around prizes will be awarded during the dance to each night’s top contestants. The beer garden opens Friday at 6:00 p.m.
Other events are scheduled for Saturday including the Watford City High School Club Rodeo at 9:00 a.m. along with a team roping event to follow at 10:00 a.m.
The Saturday NDRA Rodeo again starts at 7:00 p.m. with champions crowned during the evening performance.
Even if you’re an avid rodeo-goer, this particular venue offers something a little different from your average outdoor arena. “Watching the rodeo indoors really gets you up close to the action. Many of these competitors are amateur performers who go professional. When you mix that with some of the best rodeo stock there is, watching it all from 50 feet away is really a good time,” said Gene Veeder, a NDRA Rodeo Finals Committee member.
This year, the regional musical talents of Lonesome Willy will again perform for each night’s dance.
This year marks the celebration of 59 years of the North Dakota Rodeo Association with this being the 14th annual event taking place in Watford City.
“It’s been interesting these past few years. This event draws people from all over. Our biggest challenge is having enough sleeping accommodations for people traveling to the area. We have been informing all of the competitors of the housing shortage to ensure they plan their trip accordingly. But, this event is fun because there are so many new faces. There are people who love rodeo and those who have never been to one,” said Veeder.
Money generated from this event is part of an annual fundraiser that benefits a number of area organizations, including the Eagles Club, McKenzie County 4-H and the Oilers Hockey Club.
Rodeo stock were chosen by judges and performers and selected from a wide variety of stock contractors to help ensure the best competition.
“The key that binds this event together is that while it’s a rodeo it’s also a reunion for the 300 to 400 cowboys and cowgirls who come together. It’s really a celebration where you can be sure you will see some familiar faces while making new friends,” Veeder said.
Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students ages 7-18 and children 6 and under are free.
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