• News tips, submissions
• Questions, comments
• Contact webmaster

• Bucking broncs, bulls and bruises coming to St. Croix County Fairgrounds

The St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo is planned for Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27.

The rodeo is held at the Fairplex in Glenwood City, home of the St. Croix County Fair.

Bob Barnes, a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Barnes family are the rodeo producers. They have been entertaining rodeo fans across America for 60 years.

Many of the broncs and bulls in the Barnes Rodeo stock have competed at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Professional cowboys and cowgirls will compete in seven timed and rough stock rodeo events including tiedown roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and team roping.

As one of the earliest sports in America, rodeo relies on a person's athletic ability to ride a bucking animal as well as roping and horsemanship skills.

Local professional bull riders, Dean "Brunky" Brunkhorst and Jesse Krier, sum up rodeo as, " a great way for people to experience western lifestyle, and a unique sport that has remained unchanged for generations."

For these two experienced cowboys the rodeo has given them the opportunity to pursue their dream.

Attractions

Meet the 2009 St. Croix Valley Rodeo Queen Emily Deiss, and princesses, Alexa Hoffman and Emily Olson, as they will be attending both Friday and Saturday. These three young women all have a passion for rodeo, and are dedicated to promoting and representing this year's St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo.

Deiss, refers to rodeo as " one of the most patriotic events, and there is a lot of pride behind rodeos."

According to Olson and Hoffman, watching rodeo competitions offers excitement for both spectators and contenders, because you feel the adrenaline and anticipation for each rider.

Also attending will be the reigning Miss Rodeo Wisconsin 2009, Eileen Lenzer, as she makes a special appearance at the St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo.

Sign your junior wrangler up for Mutton Bustin' both Friday and Saturday evenings. Children between ages 5 and 8, and weighing fewer than 55 pounds, may be signed up at the rodeo. Ten lucky riders will be drawn by lot to get the opportunity to ride sheep as part of the rodeo. All participants are winners.

Friday, June 26, is Military Night as we recognize all past and present members of the armed forces. Individuals with a military ID or a membership card from the American Legion or VFW will receive a $2 discount on gate admission. Friday at 7 p.m. American Legion Post 80 Honor Guard of New Richmond will open the rodeo in an Honor Ceremony that includes presenting and posting the colors, paying tribute to fallen soldiers and acknowledging veterans from each branch of the military.

According to Chuck Mehls, Post 80 Honor Guard commander, the American Legion is committed to sponsoring and supporting youth and family programs as well as participating in community events such as the rodeo.

Stay for the Hillbilly Mafia band immediately following Friday's rodeo, and dance to your favorite classic and current country music. The Hillbilly Mafia is an experienced five-member band that has performed with national acts across the United States and abroad.

Saturday, June 27, is Family Night with activities beginning at 4 p.m. The first 100 children through the gate will receive a free cowboy hat. Attractions include Fantasy Corral and the Milk Buds. The corral will be an educational and engaging experience featuring a petting zoo of 15 different species of exotic animals ranging from buffaloes to camels, depending on availability, as well as pony rides provided for a charge.

For nearly 35 years John Schottler, a local dairyman, has been promoting the dairy industry by making appearances with the Milk Buds, an eight-pony hitch, and the Schottler Family Singers.

Be sure to stay for the awesome professional fireworks display at 10 p.m., immediately following the rodeo performance.

Ticket sales

Be sure to save $3 per rodeo ticket by purchasing in advance at Ormson's Super Valu, Countryside Cooperative and Hiawatha National Bank in Glenwood City, Angel's Pet World in Hudson, Herdsman Feeds in Connorsville, Farm & Home in New Richmond, and at your local Dodge Chrysler Jeep Dealers: Bernards - New Richmond, Gilberts - Sand Creek, Luther - Hudson, Trail -Menominee, or online at www.stcroixco fair.com.

Adult admission at the gate will be $13, $9 for children (5-12) and free for children younger than 5 years of age.