Saddle Up, Mandan!

A recap of the 146th Mandan Rodeo Days celebration

The annual Mandan Rodeo Days celebration took place from July 2-4 at the Dale Pahlke Arena at Dacotah Centennial Park in Mandan. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over competed in the three-day event to win prize money and earn recognition for their skills.

Before the main events began, the rodeo was filled with competitors in the overflow bracket. On July 1, the rodeo slack took place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The slack was not part of the main Mandan Rodeo Days event, but it still provided competitors the opportunity to prove themselves and achieve their best score. Through the slack, participants could still place in the main competition, but they would not compete on any of the themed rodeo days. The slack included cowboy events such as steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping, and cowgirl events, including breakaway roping and barrel racing.

Just like the weather, the events started heating up on July 2. Although the rodeo events did not start until the Grand Entry at 7 p.m., there was activity at the Dale Pahlke Arena. Kids attended the Remarkable Kids Rodeo from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and experienced mock rodeo events. Rodeo Royalty were there, along with a number of volunteers and staff to help out with the event. After the event, the Rodeo Royalty were busy promoting the Mandan Rodeo Days with sponsor visits. 

Later that day, Family Night at the Mandan Rodeo Days began. The events started with bareback bronc riding, followed by steer wrestling, team roping, and mutton bustin’. After that, the events went into saddle bronc riding and tie down roping. The specialty act by rodeo clown Rider Kiesner and Bethany Iles gave the competitors time to breathe between events. Kiesner performed trick roping and gun spinning, while Iles entertained with her trick riding skills. After the specialty act, the rodeo finished off with breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. These events continued for the next two days of the rodeo, including Patriot Night on July 3 and Fireworks Night for July 4.

Throughout the rodeo, the Mandan Rodeo Royalty led the Grand Entry and helped promote sponsors. Lilly Gartner stood as Jr. Miss Rodeo Mandan, and Kaylee Johnson represented Miss Rodeo Mandan Princess. Jaycee Dressler proved the importance of Rodeo Royalty in her role as Miss Rodeo Mandan. Dressler is a 7th generation rancher from Marshall, N.D. She led the younger Rodeo Royalty as they navigated sponsorship visits and interviews. To Dressler, representing the rodeo as Miss Rodeo Mandan is more than just a role; it is an opportunity to reach out to youth and teach them about agriculture and farming.

“It means a lot. Kids are my thing, and that's my platform. Teaching kids about the importance of agriculture, farming and ranching. Being able to be a part of that and part of the rodeo industry and bring the younger generation in is truly incredible.”

She went on to say what her role as Miss Rodeo Mandan looks like.

“I'm a lot more than just royalty. I am out there promoting Mandan Rodeo days,” Dressler said. “I am travelling 10,000 miles as a non-state queen, around the state and into South Dakota and Minnesota and Montana. I just want people to know that we are a lot more than just royalty. We are the ambassadors. We're promoting Mandan Rodeo Days.”

Although the Rodeo Royalty plays a big role, it is the competitors that bring the energy with their showcase of skill and talent. Professional Bull Rider Trey Kimzey earned an 88 in bull riding and won the prize money on July 2. Kimzey shared his thoughts on the bull when receiving the prize money.

“You couldn’t ask for a better bull. He’s been around for a while, all the big rodeos have been wanting on him, and I’m just super blessed to get him drawn and get the job done.”

The Mandan Rodeo Days celebration is one of the oldest rodeos in the world. It continues to provide spectators with exciting entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether new to rodeo or a lifelong fan, those interested in rodeo may discover a new love for the sport when this rodeo comes around again next year.