Oregon Trail Rodeo back for 31st year in Hastings

HASTINGS, NE — Hastings will host to some of the country’s top cowboys and cowgirls this weekend.

The city is hosting the 31st annual Oregon Trail Rodeo at the Adams County Fairgrounds. Over 100 contestants will vie for nearly $50,000 in prize money. Publicist Ruth Nicolaus says the rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

“It just means the caliber of competition is a little higher. We bring in a stock contractor from South Dakota. His bucking horses and bulls are really good," Nicolaus said. "Our cowboys and cowgirls are really good, which makes for better watching for the fans in the stands.”

Beyond the actual events, fans will see acts from rodeo clown Jesse Larson, including some with his miniature horse.

“Me and Stu travel up and down the road. He’s part of my show, one of my main attractions, he’s one of the world’s smartest horses," Larson said. "You’ll have to come out on Saturday and see what we do with all the antics and dancing and romancing that we do with the ladies in the crowd.”

A free barbecue meal is included with your ticket on Friday. Saturday is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day. The rodeo donates a dollar for every fan wearing pink to patients at the Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings.

“Trips to and from treatment, lodging, meals, maybe they’re unable to work because they don’t feel good," Nicolaus said. "Over the last several years we’ve donated more than $40,000 to that fund.”

The rodeo starts at 7:00 on Friday and Saturday and 6:00 on Sunday. The rodeo is happening in conjunction with Kool-Aid Days, which is also this weekend at the fairgrounds.