Rodeo draws local, national audience for competition
It's a staple of the Madison County Fair and has been a part of the culture around the event.
By News Channel NebraskaMADISON, Neb. -- It's a staple of the Madison County Fair and has been apart of the culture around the event.
“The rodeo has really taken hold over the last three or four decades and become one of the premier rodeos in this area," Madison Ag Society fair board member Dave Amick said.
From barrel racing to team roping, Mid-States Championship Rodeo brings in fairgoers and competitors to Madison.
“We’ve got people as far away as Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, and all the other surrounding states that come from the rodeo competition here," Amick said.
While competing with other county fairs, Amick said people come to the fair to celebrate the history behind it.
“There’s just a rich tradition that keeps families and people coming back time and time again," Amick said.
Thousands of people come to the rodeo every year.
“These kids just eat up the fun stuff," professional rodeo clown Jesse Larsen said. "Just believe all the magic and stuff they see in the arena.”
Larsen travels to more than 40 fairs a summer.
“[To] show people and be able to entertain those people that are interested about our western heritage and our culture," Larsen said. "I’m telling you, the western way of life in Madison County is alive and well.”
News Channel Nebraska will be broadcasting the Mid-States Rodeo Championship on Friday at 7:30 pm.