Since 1921, Winnemucca has been home to one of Nevada's most exciting rodeos-the longstanding and very traditional Labor Day Rodeo.
But 2014 is definitely going to take that excitement to new levels as a different kind of competition comes to town: The Bulls & Broncs Rodeo!
Beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 30, in the Main Outdoor Arena at the Winnemucca Events Complex, rodeo-goers will see some of the rankest bulls and broncs in America go head to head against some of the toughest cowboys and girls around.
With just three events-bulls, broncs and barrel racing-this is one afternoon that local crowds won't soon forget.
This year's rodeo comes courtesy of Souza's Bucking Bulls of Merced, California. The afternoon will begin with a beautiful grand entry . . . before everything turns to dust as the bulls take the stage.
In all, 24 contestants will take part in three bullriding sections, while 10 cowboys will compete in two sections of bronc riding. Another 10 contestants will compete in one section of barrel racing.
Just prior to the Bulls & Broncs competition, the finals for the Great Basin Challenge will also take place, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Manuel Souza said his team is excited to come to Winnemucca.
"We thrive on putting on a show that we would buy tickets to watch," he said. "We are really going to provide some action-packed rodeo excitement there in Winnemucca."
Souza has been producing stand-alone pro bull riding events since 2007. Just last month, his team produced over-capacity competitions at the "Night in the Country" in Yerington: "Extreme Bulls at High Noon."
Souza will be providing the majority of this year's bulls from his own breeding program along with the Triple JJJ; Wally Blossom will bring the broncs.
This year's Bulls & Broncs announcer will be Steve Smart, assisted by Nikki Robinson, daughter of Nevada rodeo icon Butch Robinson.
For competitors, entry fees are $100 per event with $4,000 added money for bullriding and $2,000 added in ranch broncs. To enter, please text Nikki at (775) 560-7739.
For spectators, regular admission to the rodeo performance is $10 for adults and $4 for children, ages 6 to 12. Kids five and under get in free. Advance rodeo tickets are now available for $8 and $2 respectively at Boot Barn, C.B. Brown, Ace Hardware, Ron's Seed & Supply and Tips Western.
"It's been a blast being in the Silver State," said Souza. "Folks have really taken to our shows, and we are looking forward to Winnemucca."
For more information, please visit www.LaborDayFair.com or call Sheree Tibbals, Winnemucca Events Complex Operations Supervisor, at (775) 623-2220 or (800) 962-2638.[[In-content Ad]]
