McKenzie County Farmer - Latest News

M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer

Get ready for a wild ride! The highly anticipated PRCA Extreme Bares and Broncs rodeo is returning to the Watford City Ag Expo on March 28 and 29, promising two nights of heart-stopping action and top-tier cowboy competition. This year, the event, now in its seventh year and third as a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo, is bigger and better than ever, bringing a taste of world-class rodeo to the heart of North Dakota.

“We do this for the community,” explains Stan Headings, event organizer, former rodeo cowboy, and bucking horse breeder. More than just a thrilling display of rodeo prowess, the Bares and Broncs event in Watford City is a powerful force for community support, with a dedicated live auction at its heart. Each year, organizers rally attendees to raise crucial funds for local families facing hardship, transforming the excitement of the rodeo into tangible aid for those who have lost loved ones or are navigating challenging times. “It’s just a great community event that the sponsors get behind, the fans get behind it, and that has allowed us to bring in some of the top cowboys in the world to come compete right here in Watford City.”

This year, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere, with some of the biggest names in rodeo converging on Watford City. Commenting on the unprecedented draw of talent to the event, Headings cited some pretty impressive numbers: “We’ll have 100 cowboys total, and most of those will be the top of the world,” Headings says. “In the bareback riding, 19 of the top 20 in the world are coming. In the saddle bronc riding, 15 of the top 20 are coming, overall, 45 percent of these cowboys have all qualified for the NFR.”

Headings, who learned the ropes of rodeo production from the legendary Jerome Robinson, brings a wealth of experience to the event. “Jerome mentored me a lot, and I learned a lot from him,” he recalls. “We raise bucking horses, and so I enjoy hauling my horses to rodeos, and this is just a fun rodeo that I enjoy being a part of.”

To accommodate the overwhelming demand from last year’s sold-out event, the rodeo has expanded to two nights, offering more fans the chance to witness the thrilling competition. “We were so packed last year with the fans that it pretty much was sold out,” Headings notes. “So in order to address that problem, we went to two days this year. And with two nights, that will allow more fans to get a spot in the arena.”

Adding to the excitement, the Bares and Broncs rodeo will be live-streamed on the Cowboy Channel Plus app, bringing the action to a wider audience. “That’s pretty exciting for what we’re doing to get some exposure,” Headings says. Attendees can also look forward to an expanded Arts and Vendors Show, filling the entire exhibition hall. “We will also live stream the event in there. And we’ll have a seating area if people want to sit there and relax and enjoy the rodeo, they can do that too.” For those seeking an exclusive experience, a new party zone with a private bar is being introduced. After the rodeo each night, fans can continue the fun with some live music by David Graham and the Eskimo Brothers from Nashville.

Tickets are available online at headingsrodeo.com, where you can also find more information about the event, including the full schedule and vendor list. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable rodeo experience in Watford City!

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