The Tradition Rides On...to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame

At the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Highway 83 lies a western town known for its ties to William F. Cody and the tradition he started 126 years ago featuring cowboys, cowgirls, and western entertainment. Today that tradition rides on as every June NEBRASKAland DAYS and the Buffalo Bill Rodeo come thundering in to this western palace on the prairie transforming the peaceful quiet into more than 10 days of non-stop entertainment. Some may even call it disorderly.

With professional boxers partaking in the gentlemen’s sport under the western stars in the middle of the Wild West Rodeo Arena, children parading in Halloween costumes on a warm summer morning, art shows, concerts, and the Miss Rodeo Nebraska Pageant, Nebraska’s Official State Celebration encourages citizens young and old, rural and urban, to forget about their everyday routines and enjoy the past, present, and future of the Husker State.

A major highlight to the 2008 celebration is the upcoming induction of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. With roots tracing back to July 4, 1882 when North Platte requested William F. Cody to throw an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo has evolved from a simple favor the famous showman would perform for the community into a renowned western adventure. Following that first fateful performance of western entertainment, Cody discovered a true value in showcasing the American Cowboy. This event has since evolved into Nebraska’s largest outdoor rodeo which has been recognized for its efforts by repeatedly being nominated for outdoor rodeo of the year.

With this recognition coming on the heels of the125th anniversary which took place last year, members of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee are greatly appreciative of the honor. Committee Chairmen Marty Peterson stated “There have been so many dedicated individuals who have contributed to the success and quality of this event throughout this rodeo’s history; a lot of the credit has to go to them.”

This years Buffalo Bill Rodeo will take place June 18-21 at the Wild West Arena and will feature numerous Wrangler National Finals qualifiers as well as funnyman Lecile Harris and specialty act The Thurston Gang. The Thurston Gang, 'a western extravaganza' is a trick riding, roman riding, roping and whip cracking show featuring 16 year old Wyatt, 13 year old Zeke and 12 year old Sam Thurston. The brothers are the sons of Hyannis, Nebraska native Skeeter Thurston, a 6 x NFR and 5 x CFR qualifier in the Saddle Bronc riding, and Lynda Shuckburgh-Thurston a rodeo promoter and barrel racer.

Along with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, NEBRASKAland DAYS will feature nearly 80 events including concerts by Lifehouse on June 13 and Dierks Bentley with Lee Brice on June 14. To discover more about Nebraska’s Official State Celebration or to purchase tickets, feel free to call the NEBRASKAland DAYS office at 888-313-5606 or visit www.nebraskalanddays.com.