It’s the largest rodeo in the world, and the big event is stampeding into Lancaster Event Center from July 18 to 24 in Lincoln, Neb.

More than 1,700 rodeo champions in 13 rodeo events and two shooting competitions from up to 44 states, five Canadian provinces and Mexico will be competing in the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR), which will bring upward of 30,000 visitors into Lincoln.

There are 13 performances that run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily over seven days, beginning July 18. The rodeo events where a world champion will be crowned include bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, goat tying, pole bending, barrel racing, boys cutting, girls cutting, reined cow horse and a queen contest. Two shooting events include trap shoot and light rifle.

Roll out welcome mat

More than 2,000 vendors and staff start arriving July 12-17 in Lincoln to prepare for the rodeo. Combine this with 1,700 competitors, their families and rodeo fans, and this will be a big celebration of high school rodeo.

“National High School Rodeo Association has been telling us from day one that when they go to a new location, that the No. 1 thing that happens in the city and state’s businesses and residents is that they never fully grasp just how big this event is until it’s here,” said Amy Dickerson, Lancaster Event Center fairgrounds managing director, in a recent news release from NHSFR Lincoln.

These visitors will drive new spending equivalent to $16 million over a week to Lincoln and Lancaster County businesses, in addition to statewide business impact, said Eric Thompson, University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research.

Rodeo fans

Rodeo fans should know that 97% of rodeo professionals are high school champions that compete through the National High School Rodeo Association that puts on NHSFR, so spectators are able to see the latest and future stars of the sport at these finals.

In addition to regular rodeo competition, fans won’t want to miss the special Lincoln Day events July 17, with special offers at shops and restaurants, as well as discounts, featured tours and experiences at unique attractions across the city of Lincoln.

This is capped off with a live performance by country artist Glen Templeton in a “Ride into the Railyard” event in the historic Haymarket in downtown Lincoln.

The Rodeo and Horse Expo is open to the public beginning July 18. At the expo, visitors will find the region’s largest selection of Western goods from national, regional and local vendors and artisans — such as Western wear and accessories, boots, hats, belt buckles and other metalwork, leather products, horse and livestock products, furniture, home décor, art and other unique finds. Tickets are necessary for rodeo sessions, but no tickets are needed for the expo.

Nebraska qualifiers

Nebraska will be well represented in the national finals. The Nebraska High School Rodeo season concluded in mid-June at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings, with the top four contestants in each of 15 events going on to compete in Lincoln.

The champions were Hunter Boydston, Grover, Col., bull riding; Brody McAbee, Ansley, saddle bronc riding; Dane Pokorny, Stapleton, steer wrestling; Elle Ravenscroft, Nenzel, barrel racing; Spencer Denaeyer, Senecca, bareback riding; Cooper Bass, Brewster, boys cutting; Mekenna Fisher, Hershey, girls cutting; Jaya Nelson, Bassett, breakaway roping; Wacey Day, Fleming, Col., goat tying; Madison Mills, Eddyville, pole bending; Hayes Wetzel, Palmer, team roping leader; Ryan Shepherd, North Platte, team roping heeler; Tate Talkington, Scottsbluff, tie-down roping; Tatum Olson, Bloomfield, reined cow horse.

Shooting champions were Tanner Ellis, Minden, trap shooting; and Jate Saults, Big Springs, light rifle. The Miss Nebraska High School Rodeo Queen is Ashton Werth from Hyannis.

For more information on NHSFR in Lincoln, including ticket information, visit nhsfrlincoln.org. Learn about Nebraska High School Rodeo Association at hsrodeo-nebraska.com.