It's A Family Tradition – Brookman Rodeo, LLC

Like Hank Williams, Jr.'s song "Family Tradition," rodeo runs deep in the Wieferich family, Sidney. Dave and Cathy Wieferich officially took over the family business in 2002 when Marvin Brookman, Cathy's grandfather and founder of Brookman Rodeo Company, suffered a stroke. They continue Marvin Brookman's legacy since his death in 2006 and have been producing the Richland County Fair & Rodeo since 2009.

Marvin started Brookman Rodeo in 1936 at the age of 23 when he joined the Cowboys Turtle Association, a precursor to the PRCA rodeo association. He began with 150 buckers culled from his father's herd of 500 horses, focusing on bucking stock and establishing the "Born to Buck" breeding program.

Rodeo is ingrained in the Brookman family. Marvin's daughter, Reita, and her husband Jim Reinhart were integral to the ranch and rodeo operations. Reita timed rodeos and was active until her passing in May 2007, while Jim continued to reside at Buzzards Glory Ranch near Wolf Point and supported Brookman Rodeo until his health declined. Jim passed away in July 2019.

The family legacy continues with Dave and Cathy at the helm, supported by their children, LaTasha (Trey) Sheets, Tesa Wieferich, and Tate Wieferich. Raised in the business, their children have grown up caring for animals and working in the arena during the shows. Tate, under Dave's and Kenny Barringer's guidance, learned the art of flanking horses and made his NFR debut in 2022. Kenny Barringer, considered family, as the bull partner for the company he is an indispensable part of the rodeo organization. They cherish the camaraderie of traveling across the U.S. to 25+ rodeos including Pendleton, OR, and the NFR, meeting old friends and making new ones – a testament to rodeo's tight-knit community.

Brookman Rodeo returns for its 15th year producing the Richland County Fair's PRCA Rodeo on Aug. 1 & 2. Over the years, they have enhanced the entertainment value and stock quality, incorporating superior sound and video replay to captivate the sellout Sidney audience. Some renowned horses like Kid Rock, Smiling Bob, Joe Dirt, Risky Business, Rude Roommate, Lunatic Bait, Flirtatious and Famous Dex have showcased their skills at both the NFR in Vegas and the local Richland County Fair.

Dave and Cathy uphold Marvin's "Born to Buck" breeding program, considering Brookman horses as part of their extended family. From their birth on the ranch, the Wieferichs have witnessed their horses' journeys from unknowns to stars in the arena. A couple of favorite horses went on to greener pastures, including Kid Rock and Famous Dex. Kid Rock's last rodeo was at the Sidney fair which Tanner Butler won, Kid Rock then retired to the ranch in 2023 and passed away this January at 27, epitomizing his journey. Similarly, Famous Dex, a rising star at 9, tragically passed away on the Sidney Ranch after an injury at the 2022 Pendleton Round-Up, leaving a hole in the hearts of everyone who loved him. He was named the 3rd top PRCA bareback horse that same year. While these losses hurt, the Wieferich family is excited about their horses and the new and old stars of the arena.

The PRCA rodeo has been a cornerstone of the Richland County Fair since 1960, celebrating its 64th year in 2024. The rodeo spans two nights – Thursday, is Hero's Night, and Friday, dedicated to Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Both nights start at 7 p.m.