Press Release
As the last weekend in July approaches, residents of the Bigfork Valley are gearing up for the annual North Star Stampede.
Running July 24-26 in Effie, Mn., the Friday evening performance starts the weekend at 5 p.m., with the Saturday and Sunday shows starting at 2 p.m.
The North Star Stampede is Minnesota’s largest and oldest open rodeo.
Contestants from throughout the United States and Canada have competed here in years past, and are expected again this year.
A number of contestants have stated that “if they were restricted to only one rodeo a year, it would be the North Star Stampede.”
“We like it because it retains the old-time frontier flavour,” they add.
Camping and parking is free to rodeo contestants and spectators.
“This is cow pasture camping, though, and there are no hook-ups or anything like that,” said organizer Howard Pitzen.
“There is no deep well on the grounds, so campers are urged to bring their own drinking water, as well as firewood,” he added.
Clowning the stampede this year will be Johnny Johnson of Chariton, Iowa.
He has a number of acts and antics to entertain the crowd.
“The cool, wet summer has been a little hard on some occupations and activities, but it has been good to the livestock,” Pitzen noted, adding they’re all eager to do their thing.
Their “thing,” of course, is to buck off cowboys.
“Still, there’s never a horse that can’t be rode or a cowboy that can’t be [thrown],” said Pitzen.
“We have a few bulls and broncs that have never been rode yet and it’s every bull or bronc rider’s dream to be the first to fit a ride on one of those critters with a reputation,” he stressed.
It’s also a good feeling to be in the stands when one of those rides is made.
