Bowman, N.D. to welcome High School Rodeo Finals for 26th time

The list of people that bring high school rodeo to life is a long list: students, parents, grandparents, neighbors, supporters and volunteers. This activity truly creates a family among contestants from all across North Dakota and they cheer each other on to achieve an appearance at North Dakota’s big show – the North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals presented by the Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce. The NDHSRF are slated for June 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Bowman area volunteers are working hard to put the many details together and prepare for a great show again this year. Western hospitality will be at its best as Bowman welcomes guests from across the state. Upgrades to the facilities at the Dakota Winds Arena are also taking place to better accommodate rodeo goers. A new grandstands is completed and work continues on an awning. “These upgrades are a great addition to what Bowman has to offer for this year’s rodeo and for future years. We are proud to host the Finals and look forward to this event each year,” said Teran Doerr, Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce Chair for the NDHSR Finals.

Longtime announcers, Dean Meyer and Dale Hande, came back for a second go, but have now officially hung up their hats as announcers for the NDHSR Finals. We thank them for their continued participation and entertainment they provided.

Appearing for their first time as a duo at the NDHSR Finals, announcers, Rick Thompson and “Wild” Bill Palanuk, are excited to produce engaging commentary, insights, and a little fun to accompany the action. “It is great to be back home” Rick says about announcing the NDHSR Finals. Rick, a graduate of Bowman High School, competed in rodeo starting with high school and continued through college and on to the professional level. His experience in the rodeo arena doesn’t stop there. He comes as an experienced announcer and reporter, producing his syndicated radio show “Talk Rodeo” daily since 1991, reporting at the Wrangler National Finals 24 times and receiving the PRCA Broadcaster of the year in 2010.

“Wild” Bill carries the sport of rodeo near and dear to his heart. Bill produces “Talk Rodeo” and also spent time on radio programs for “The Professional Bull Riders,” keeping him close to America’s #1 sport. Bill now concentrates his radio skills on North Dakota’s oil production and exploration via the “MonDak OilField ReView” and the “Hegg Bakken Report,” both with national audiences.

North Dakota’s big show kicks off on Thursday afternoon with the Queen’s horsemanship competition at 2:00pm inside the All Seasons Arena, followed by the evening pageant at 7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Pavilion. A family team roping also takes place at the Dakota Winds Arena Thursday night, weather permitting.

–Bowman Area Chamber of Commerce