When you think of buckin’ bull riding cowboys, or agile barrel racing cowgirls, you may think Texas, Wyoming, Montana, or any place other than Minnesota. But yes, right here in the land of 10,000 lakes, high school rodeo is alive and kickin’ and stirrin’ it up like an Arizona dust devil!

Minnesota has 140 proud members in the National High School Rodeo Association, which was established in Texas in 1947 to promote good conduct and sportsmanship and encourage youth to stay in school. Exciting audiences and fans with their youthful exuberance and highly competitive nature, these 9th through 12th grade cowhands exhibit a spirit and determination that even the pros can’t match.

Cowboy or city boy, everybody loves a rodeo, and here’s an opportunity to gather up your whole family and head off to the upcoming Minnesota High School Rodeo State Finals.

Scheduled for June 15-17 at the Dead Broke Arena between Hugo and Forest Lake at County Road 4 and Highway 61, this year’s rodeo features three days of both cowgirl and cowboy events, ranging from saddle bronc riding and calf roping to barrel racing and steer wrestling, and enough thrills and spills to keep even your most laconic cowboy on the edge of his seat!

With pony rides and hay wagon rides for the kids, and enough good food to make any camp cookie jealous, the weekend promises to be a wonderful and memorable entertainment event for the whole family

For more information on the Minnesota High School Rodeo Finals go to www.mnhighschoolrodeo.org, or call Dick Dunsmore at 651-464-6460.

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