Oregon Trail Rodeo coming to Hastings this weekend

Brent McCown/Tribune Rhyder Nelson of Doniphan kicks up dirt as he tries to wrestle a steer to on to it's back during the steer wrestling competition June 27, 2009.

Will Vraspir
wvraspir@hastingstribune.com
More than 200 contestants will be in Hastings over the Labor Day weekend for the 19th annual Oregon Trail Rodeo Sept. 3-5 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Ruth Nicolaus, publicist for the event, said 208 entrants signed up, compared to 196 men and women from last year.
The seven events for this Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event are steer wrestling, bare back riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and tie-down roping.
More than $40,000 in prize money will be awarded to the top contestants, with the PRCA adding $3,800 to the pot for each event. Last year, officials awarded $44,000 between the entry fees and the extra money from the PRCA. Since it is a PRCA event, riders can also qualify for National Finals Rodeo.
Nicolaus said gradual increases help keep the rodeo competitive with similar events.
Rodeo tickets are available at Orschlen Farm and Home and the fairgrounds. For more information, call (402) 462-3247 or visit the fairgrounds Web site at www.adamscountyfairgrounds.com.