WINNEMUCCA — Since 1921, Winnemucca has been home to one of Nevada’s most exciting rodeos— the longstanding Labor Day Rodeo.
Labor Day 2018 is going to take that excitement to new levels as a different kind of competition returns to town: The Bulls and Broncs Rodeo.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 1, in the Main Arena Outside 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 evening that local crowds won’t soon forget.
This year’s rodeo comes courtesy of Souza’s Bucking Bulls of Merced, California. The evening 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.
While the Bulls and Broncs Rodeo offers heated competition for the older set, youngsters ages 2 to 12 will also have their shot in the arena as part of the Great Basin Challenge.
Friday, Aug. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Outdoor Arena, boys and girls will compete against each other in Stick Horse Barrel Racing, Lead Horse Barrel Racing, Dummy Roping, Mutton Bustin’, Calf Riding, Mini-Bucking Horse, Mini-Bull Riding, Junior Barrel Racing and Wild Pony Racing.
The winners from Friday night’s prelims will compete in Saturday’s Bulls and Broncs Rodeo. First place winners in each event and each age group will receive silver buckles. Sign up at www.LaborDayFair.com. Entry cost for each event ranges from $5 to $15; entry fee for the Wild Pony Race is $60 per 3-person team.
Manuel Souza said his Bulls and Broncs 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 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.
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 call or text Manuel Souza at (209) 347-7305.
For spectators, advance combo tickets for both Friday and Saturday nights are now available at Tips Western, Ron’s Seed & Supply, Boot Barn and CB Brown True Value Hardware, or Friday night at the gate. Cost is $10 for adults; kids 8 and under get in free. Cost at the gate Saturday is $12 for adults; kids 8 and under get in free.
“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 on the 2018 Bulls and Broncs Rodeo at the Winnemucca Events Complex, please visit www.LaborDayFair.com or call Holly Gallian, Winnemucca Events Complex Administrative Clerk, at (775) 623-2220 or email at fairgrounds@wmca.net.
