The Oregon Trail Rodeo is kicking open its chutes for its 32nd year in Hastings, Nebraska. The rodeo will feature three performances happening August 16-18. The PRCA rodeo will feature all standard rodeo events, with mutton busting available for youth. This year will feature a few brand new elements, adding even more excitement to the celebration.
“The Oregon Trail Rodeo is going to be a great display of Nebraska talent,” said announcer Travis Schauda.
The rodeo will feature Nebraska father-son duo Lance and Cinch Heikel as pickup men, Nebraska native Jake Jacobson as the music director, as well as Nebraska bullfighters Eli Sharkey and Zach Call.
“This rodeo feels like home to me,” said Jacobson.
The rodeo is a true Hastings community fixture as it brings together various local entities and groups. Community patrons can enjoy the festivities of Kool-Aid Days during the daytime, and enjoy fast-paced rodeo action come evening.
Each day will bring its own flavor of excitement. A free barbecue will be available to all rodeo ticket holders prior to the rodeo on Friday, August 16th from 5:20-7pm. The barbecue is first come, first serve while supplies last.
Saturday will be “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night,” and the rodeo committee will donate $1 to the Morrison Cancer Center for every fan who shows up wearing pink! The TETWP program is a nationally recognized campaign to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
The last performance on Sunday, August 18th will feature a brand new element. This year, three area high school bands will be joining forces to provide entertainment for the rodeo. The “Mega Band” comprised of students from Hastings High School, Adams Central High School, and St. Cecilia High School, will play the national anthem and pep band songs during the rodeo performance. A firework show will follow the conclusion of the rodeo.
Rodeo board president Scott Hinrichs encourages all to come out and enjoy the rodeo.
“It is wholesome family entertainment,” said Hinrichs.
Event Details:
Rodeo Start Times:
- Fri., Aug. 16 at 7 pm
- Sat., Aug. 17 at 7 pm
- Sun., Aug. 18 at 6 pm
Mutton Busting Details:
- Open to kids 60 lbs or less
- Thirty per night; $15 signup fee; sign up online.
Ticket Info:
- $20-$25 for reserved seating
- $15 for general admission
- $10 for kids, general admission, ages 6-12.
- Tickets are available online at www.AdamsCountyFairgrounds.com, at the fair office (947 S. Baltimore Ave., Hastings), or at the gate.
Listen to our interview with rodeo announcer Travis Schauda here:
Online at www.AdamsCountyFairgrounds.com o At the fair office (947 S. Baltimore Ave., Hastings) o At the gate.Listen to our interview with rodeo board president Scott Hinrichs here:
Listen to our interview with music director Jake Jacobsen here:
