Big, bigger, biggest rodeo in the Midwest back in Burke July 11-13

Yeeee…Hawwwwa…it’s Stampede Time in Burke, SD. The Burke Riding Club is now in active preparation for the 19th Annual Burke Stampede Rodeo, the largest amateur rodeo in the upper Midwest. This year’s event will be held July 11-13 at 7 p.m. each night. Slack Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.

This year’s Stampede promises to offer the best of the old and new. In their second year at Burke is stock contractor Byron Juma of Juma Rodeo Company, out of Torrington, WY. Byron will be pulling in Thursday with his outstanding pen of bucking bulls and broncs.

The timed event cattle will again be furnished by Jim Johnston out of Thedford, NE. Jim brings about as even a set of timed event cattle as anyone could hope for. Good stock makes for lots of entries. Lots of entries makes for lots of money up for grabs. Lots of money and entries makes for lots of good rodeo action for Stampede fans.

A bit of the old and a tradition perhaps even a legend at the Stampede Rodeo will be rodeo announcer Travis Schauda of Sutherland, NE. The 2008 cowboy protectors feature many time protector Steve Wangler and Cory Greible. Also bringing back his country brand of humor to the Stampede, this year’s funny man is Shawn “Boom Boom” Thompson.

Cowboys and cowgirls will be competing for points to carry home to the South Dakota Rodeo Association (SDRA), the Northwest Ranch Cowboy’s Association (NRCA), the Nebraska State Rodeo Association (NSRA) and the Mid-States Rodeo Association (MSRA). Every dollar earned is a point towards that association’s year-end championship. Over $8,600 in added prize money, donated by local businesses and individuals will be added to the 10 events in this year’s rodeo. This year the Stampede Committee will again put-up $1,000 added money in each of the rough stock events – bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding – to attract more competitors in those events. When added to the entry fees the total purse will reach well over $50,000 this year, making the Stampede one of the biggest paying rodeos in the Midwest. The Stampede Rodeo is a favorite of the cowboys and cowgirls and in fact, was voted South Dakota Rodeo Associations Rodeo of the Year nine times.

The Stampede Rodeo Committee has designated Friday night as family night, featuring mutton bustin’ for the kids. Kids can enter up at the rodeo office prior to rodeo start time Friday night and the Stampede judges will draw from the hat the young cowboys and cowgirls who will get to be this year’s Stampede Mutton Busters.

Back by popular demand will be “Wild Cow Riding” on Saturday and Sunday nights, costumes are encouraged. A repeat at this year’s Stampede is the Saturday night Modern Woodman Night. Modern Woodman of America camp #17410 is going to the Rodeo and they invite all of you to go as well.

The rodeo dances will be on the rodeo grounds. Nashville recording artist Marci Mitchell and band will play for the dances Friday and Saturday nights, both dances are free this year with admission to the rodeo.

Marci Mitchell’s “Country with an Attitude” is a mix of tradition with youthful contemporary catching on all across America. Growing up in the small southwestern town of Nevada, MO, she began performing locally at the age of eight, calling for a square dance club and practicing in her mother’s beauty shop. Armed with a college degree and a love for music that just wouldn’t let her compromise, Marci ended up in Nashville where she cut her first CD, put together her own band and hit the road. Like every known star before her has done, Marci took to the highway to discover her sound, get some experience, and let the country become “exposed” to her music.

Advance rodeo tickets are $7 (at the gate $8). Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are now on sale at the following businesses: In Burke – Pat’s Foodtown, Burke True Value, Pete’s Qwik Stop, Pump n’ Stuff, The G.A.B., Burke Community Pharmacy, and the Longbranch Dining and Sports Bar. In Gregory – B&F Variety and Mr. G’s. In Platte – PHARMCO and The Yellow Rose. In Bonesteel – Cuzn’s Corner. In Fairfax – Koenig’s Korner Market, and Fairfax Grill & Bar. In Naper, NE – Naper Grocery Store. In Winner – Winner Animal Clinic. In Spencer, NE – KC’s Roadrunner.