Nebraska's Big Rodeo & Garfield County Fair

The Chuckwagon Races return to Burwell for the 104th Annual Nebraska’s Big Rodeo!
 
The man in charge of this year’s Chuckwagon racers, Reed Rosencrans, has been racing all across Canada for 38 years now. Reed started in chariots when he was 13 years old and moved up to the chuckwagons by the time he turned 17. Reed is a second-generation wagon racer as his father did it prior to his starting. Reed has won shows all over Canada including 3 time (2018,2019,2022) champion of the North American Chuckwagon Championship in Red Deer, Alberta and also the aggregate champion at the Ponoka Stampede in 2022. Also, the first American wagon driver to compete at the Ponoka Stampede in Ponoka Alberta. In 2018 Reed got his PRCA specialty act and started bringing his Circle 7 wagons to rodeos across the United States including Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Greeley CO, Redding and Salinas CA, Salt Lake City, Lehi and Coalville, Ut to name a few. Wife Kim and 3 daughters Hannah, Paige and Leah will also be along for the ride in Burwell this year.

Kids Night
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When we say there’s something for the whole family at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, we’re not kidding.

There will be 9 different age groups for ages 4-12, boys and girls will compete separately. The top 3 girls and the top 3 boys in each age group will qualify for the state pull championship.

For Thursday evening rodeo performances, kids 12 and under get into General Admission seating for free with adult ticket purchase. Reserved Seating and Box Seats are still full price.

Bull Pen Beer Garden
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Be a part of the original party hotspot and enjoy Nebraska’s Big Rodeo from the Bull Pen Beer Garden and dance area! The Bull Pen is a favorite spot to grab cold drinks so you can get back to enjoying all the fun that Nebraska’s Big Rodeo has to offer!

This year the Bull Pen Beer Garden has a great lineup of acts for you to enjoy. Thursday night will be Brandon Ulmer and Hockett. During these shows after the rodeo performance, minors will not be allowed entry. There will be teen dances in the Pavilion on the North side of the Grandstands for minors to attend.

The addition of a beer garden on the East end of the arena (The Bull Pen) added even more entertainment and excitement to Nebraska’s Big Rodeo! The bull pen area allows fans to enjoy a cool refreshment while watching the rodeo performances as well as other special events throughout the week. Live entertainment is also an exciting part of the Bull Pen’s high energy atmosphere with dances following the rodeo performances on Thursday evenings. The Bull Pen also offers a unique perspective of the rodeo with action that is up close and personal, especially for the timed events like Tie Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, and Steer Wrestling as the chutes are adjacent to the Bull Pen.

The addition of beer sales in the Reserved Seating grandstands on the west side of the arena occurred in 2015 and allowed even more fans to beat the heat while watching rodeo performances. In 2021, beer sales were added to the general admission seating so no matter where you choose to watch the rodeo from, you can enjoy your refreshment.

Midway
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Nebraska’s Big Rodeo hosts one of the best midways.

Our midway is always a variety of excellent food vendors; vendors selling home goods, clothing, and jewelry. There is truly something for everyone at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo and Garfield County Fair.

The Midway opens at 5pm each evening, with rodeo gates opening at 6:30pm and the rodeo performances starting at 7:30pm.

If you are interested in being a vendor at the next Nebraska’s Big Rodeo July 23-26th, 2025, go to our rodeo information page and print off a vendor application form and return it to us. We would love to have you join us for the 104th Nebraska’s Big Rodeo.

Wild Horse Race
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The wild horse race is one of the most popular and dangerous events held at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo. This event found its origins when cowboys of the Old West had to break wild horses. Trailer loads of wild horses are unloaded near the track as teams of three cowboys attempt to hold on to, saddle, and ride the wild horses around the track at the historical rodeo grounds. Don’t miss all the action at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo and see the event that everyone comes to Burwell to watch!

Dinner Bell Derby
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The Dinner Bell Derby is one of the most loved events during Nebraska’s Big Rodeo.

The Dinner Bell Derby began as a race to see which colt actually got its dinner first.

The winner of the Dinner Bell Derby is the first colt to cross the finish line and get to its waiting mamma on the other end.

This event is open to colts that have not yet been weaned from their mother. If you think you have a fast baby and would like to enter them, go to our rodeo information page and download the Dinner Bell Derby entry form and return it.

The derby is open to colts of either sex, and we’ve even had pony colts and donkey colts in the past!

Everyone loves to watch the babies run during Nebraska’s Big Rodeo!

Brought to you by Thoene Farm Service, Inc.

Schedule Of Events

Thursday, July 24, 2025
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8 AM….. PRCA Steer Roping……FREE Admission this year thanks to the sponsors Burwell and Broken Bow Livestock Markets

9 AM….GLW District Beef, Sheep, and Goat Show

Breakfast provided by TK Cattle Co. (Toelle Family), Nelson Herefords, Garfield Co. Farm Bureau and Trotter Feeds.

10 AM-8 PM….Exhibit Hall Open

5 PM…Commercial, Ag Exhibits & Vendors open on the Midway

6:30 PM…..Gates open for Nebraska’s Big Rodeo

6:30 PM-1 AM…..Bull Pen Beer Garden Open

7:30 PM…..NEBRASKA’S BIG RODEO PERFORMANCE #2…Kids 12 and Under Free

10 PM-1 AM…..Dance in Bull Pen Beer Garden featuring Brandon Ulmer and Hockett(No Minors)

10 PM-1 AM…FCCLA Teen Dance at the dance pavilion….$5 Admission

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Tentative Trolley Schedule:
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Thursday July 24………5PM-1:30 AM

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Note: This schedule is tentative until closer to rodeo