BURWELL – The community of Burwell is no stranger to big rodeos, but this week’s competitors will be a bit younger than usual as the town plays host to the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association’s state finals.
The event is moving to Burwell this year after a long run of being held in Hastings. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo President Jess Helgoth expects it to provide a boost to several towns around the region.
Helgoth said preparations have gone well. While his team has plenty of experience putting together major rodeos, he said there are a few differences with the high school event.
Helgoth noted that while most of the events will take place at the arena in Burwell, shooting sports will be held at the Karp & Krow Club near Ord.
Burwell is just over a year removed from last year’s spring storm that brought tornado strength wind through the town. The arena’s grandstands suffered significant damage from straight line winds that the National Weather Service estimated as high as 110 mph.
Helgoth said the recovery process has been slow and that temporary bleachers are being brought in both for the high school event and Nebraska’s Big Rodeo next month.
The Nebraska High School Rodeo State Finals will be held from Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are available online at NebraskasBigRodeo.com.
