Giving Back to Nine Area Charities
Minot – The “bucks” in the rodeo arena at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo and Rodeo Minot are much more than the horses and bulls as they try to get cowboys off their backs.
They’re the “bucks” that are generated by the rodeo and that are given to local organizations.
Since the 2021 Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo, held each year in Minot in October, over $25,000 has been donated to nine area groups.
Those nine groups receiving funds are the Ward County 4-H, Prairie Grit, South Prairie High School FFA program, Dakota Boys & Girls Club, TR4 Heart and Soul; Western Wranglers Rodeo Club; the St. Joseph Foundation in Minot; Independence, Inc., and the Blaisdell Rodeo Club for the Mike Solberg Youth Rodeo scholarship.
According to Emily Burkett, NDSU Extension Ward County 4-H Youth Development Agent, the financial gift from the circuit finals and Rodeo Minot is a great help.
“To have a large chunk like that, it builds longevity for the program,” said Burkett. “We reach over 250 kids in 4-H and also do programming through the schools. This donation goes towards expenses in hosting programming for all Ward County youth.”
“We’re proud to have a positive influence on so many different organizations,” said Max Weppler, Minot, rodeo committee member. “There are so many groups doing good work, whether it’s with kids or people with challenges, we are glad we can contribute to so many of them.”
For the second year, South Prairie High School’s FFA program received a check from rodeo proceeds.
The money goes directly to helping students in the FFA program The ag mechanics team has qualified for the National FFA Convention, so the funds will be used in part for travel expenses.
“It will help pay for the cost of going to Nationals,” said Wayne Stanley, superintendent of the school. “It’s great to have an organization like the rodeo see the importance of FFA to a community.”
This year’s Badlands Circuit Finals will be held Oct. 14-16 at the State Fair Center in Minot. Performances start at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14-15 and at 1 p.m. on Oct. 16.
Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased online at RodeoMinot.com, at North Country Mercantile and at the gate.
