ProRodeo Sports News - June 15, 2018

SPECIAL SECTION

MANDAN RODEO DAYS Mandan, N.D. July 2-4 mandanrodeo.com

Since 1879, the city of Mandan has persuaded cowboys to direct their compasses north come summertime. Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days will be celebrating its 139th annual running, and for committee chairman Jason Mittlestadt, who has been associated with the rodeo for more than 12 years, it’s yet again an opportunity to build upon what is already an impressive foundation. “We try to put on a good show,” Mittlestadt said. “We really try to get the best acts available. I think we’ve got enough added money to where we draw the top guys in each event.” With an attraction of more than 20,000 people over the four-day celebration, the city of Mandan’s population doubles in size as the rodeo kicks off. The city’s residents view the rodeo as a source of local pride. “It’s extremely important,” Mittlestadt said. “It’s one of the oldest rodeos around. The heritage around Mandan and the rodeo goes way back. It’s a super-big deal around here.” Dakota Rodeo Co., co-owned by local Chad Berger, is contracted for the rodeo, while Justin Rumford, a six-time winner of PRCA Clown of the Year, will man the can in Mandan. Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey and the Miss Rodeo Mandan Pageant are also on the docket of scheduled appearances and events. Rodeo is, and has remained, a sport of generations. In Mandan, the community atmosphere is no different. The kinship of Mandan Rodeo Days alone is worth the price of admission. “The volunteers, the contractors, it’s all just like a big family,” Mittlestadt said. “We’re all just like one big family.”

KEEP UP WITH THE HERD!

To take advantage of ProRodeo Sports News advertising rate specials, call Nathan at 214.883.1466

ProRodeo Sports News 6/15/2018

ProRodeo.com

35