Press Release
The town of Effie, Mn. is gearing up for the biggest weekend of the year as Minnesota’s largest open contest rodeo, the North Star Stampede, is preparing for its 57th year.
Excitement is running high as more than 250 cowboys and cowgirls from eight states and Canada will compete for more than $10,000 in prize money and sterling silver trophy buckles in each event.
While many rodeos claim to be the first, the sport actually had its beginning in the 1500s in Mexico, where there were celebrations connected with round-ups.
This all eventually evolved into the sport of rodeo. Today, we have many contestants who rodeo professionally and make a living following the contests.
At the stampede, there usually is a mix of contestants. There will be professionals, as well as a large number of working ranch cowboys and cowgirls.
Specialty act and rodeo clown this year will feature Tim “The Wild Thang” Lepard from Pontiac, Miss.
He has been a professional rodeo clown for more than 20 years, including clowning the International finals rodeo in Oklahoma City.
The North Star Stampede will be leasing bulls from David Rice of Dallas, Tex., who will be bringing 25 top-notch bucking bulls, including two that currently are unridden.
Five new bucking horses also will make their opening debut, purchased by Howard and Cimarron Pitzen in Miles City, Mont.
Jason Lenzen, a six-time bareback riding champ, will be back again this year to try and win another buckle.
So will Laura Carter of Orr, Mn., a five-time barrel racing champion.
Last year’s champion bull rider, Timmy Vaughn from Kansas City, Mo., will be back to try his luck, as well.
The action gets underway Friday, July 27 at 5 p.m., and will continue on Saturday and Sunday (July 28-29) starting at 2 p.m.
Parking is free to spectators (who are urged to bring their own water as there is no well on the rodeo grounds).
The activities also will continue on the Saturday evening in downtown Effie with a parade at 7 p.m.
A reminder that Saturday’s dress attire of pink is recommended in recognition of breast cancer awareness.
