The community of Sturgis, SD, is preparing for the Sturgis Wild West Days Festival and professional rodeo, June 17-19.

The event boasts the world’s top professional cowboys and cowgirls on the PRCA circuit, along with the rankest, toughest bulls and broncs.

Events begin on Friday, June 17 at 12 p.m. with a steer roping, followed by a PRCA Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. at the Sturgis Rodeo Fairgrounds along Ball Park Road. Slack begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 18 with novice bronc riding at 1 p.m. The festivities then move back to the fairgrounds for a 5:30 p.m. chuck wagon style BBQ meal, free with the purchase of a rodeo ticket. Following the BBQ, there will be a 7:30 p.m. PRCA rodeo performance.

A spectacular Ranch Rodeo will round out the Sturgis Wild West Days Festival on Sunday, June 19 with a 1 p.m. performance. The Father’s Day performance admits dad’s for half price.

Bucking stock for the events will be provided by Wild Card Rodeo and Stace Smith Pro Rodeos, seven-time PRCA Stock Contractor of the year, along with Burch Rodeo. National Finals Rodeo comedy act Duane Reichert and Pony Baroni will provide entertainment during both rodeo performances. Announcers are John Costello and Jim Thompson.

Tickets can be purchased at Sturgis Chiropractic, First Interstate Bank, Hersruds, Cammack Ranch Supply or at the gate: adults $15; seniors $10; kids $5; and family package $30 (Two children/two adults).

Organizers are grateful to national sponsors of the PRCA as well as corporate sponsors. Putting on a PRCA rodeo of this magnitude wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of local businesses and community leaders.

Learn more about the wild weekend festivities at http://www.sturgis-sd.org.