Clearwater named top large purse rodeo of the year

For the 14th time, Clearwater's Big Rodeo, scheduled annually for the last full weekend in June, received the Mid-States Rodeo Association's award for large-purse rodeo of the year.

Award recipients were announced Saturday, during the association's finale in Broken Bow.

The chamber was tabbed as the top rodeo in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Rodeo co-chairman Jeremy Kester attributes the event's success to a supportive community and large group of sponsors.

"The community does a great job and none of it would be possible without our sponsors and volunteers who make it a great weekend," he said.

Chamber president Curt Thiele agreed with Kester.

"Without our sponsors and our fans, it wouldn't be possible to put on such a good show for the cowboys and cowgirls," Thiele said.

In recent years, the grounds have received multiple ugrades, including skybox seating, new concession stands, improved bleacher seating and the Double P Tack Room, which serves as the rodeo office. The building was completed in 2023.

Big-screen video boards are utilized during the rodeo and sponsors kick in extra prize money for each event, according to Thiele.

All those items add up to a great show.

MSRA members determine winners of the group's annual awards, voting in nine categories, including announcer, secretary, tier, judge, pick up man, bullfighter, timed event contractor and rough stock contractor.

Cody Hollenbeck, who works the Clearwater Rodeo, received the nod for top pick up man. O'Neill's rodeo earned the small purse rodeo honors.

Chamber members are already planning the 2025 event, which will be the 58th annual event and another chance to receive the award.

"It's a great honor," Kester said. "Makes all the hard work worthwhile."