Mandan Rodeo Days

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This year, 2020 marks the 141st annual celebration of the Mandan Rodeo, making it the oldest and largest rodeo in North Dakota. Put on each year by the Mandan Progress Organization (MPO) and the Mandan Rodeo Days Committee (MRDC), the rodeo is also the third largest rodeo in the Badlands Circuit.

The MDRC is a group of roughly 50 volunteers who lead the way in creating the three-day, action-packed, family friendly event. As part of the Mandan Rodeo Days Celebration, the rodeo is not the only attraction that brings in tourists from all across the state and beyond. The annual event also features Art in the Park, concerts, dancing, baseball, and the biggest and best Fourth of July parade and fireworks celebration in the northern plains.

Jason Mittlestadt, MDRC chairman, has been with the committee for approximately 15 years. Very familiar with the hard work, time, and cost that goes into such a huge professional rodeo, he is quick to thank the supporters and volunteers in the community. With costs surmounting to roughly $100,000 per day, sponsorships play an integral role in continuing this long standing tradition. Dakota Community Bank & Trust (DCB&T) is the presenting sponsor of Mandan Rodeo Days.

“Dakota Community Bank & Trust has been instrumental. They actually have naming rights to our rodeo. (DCB&T President) Dale Pahlke has always been very generous, not only with financial support, but also with his knowledge. He is very passionate about this rodeo. He wants to see it succeed, and is more than willing to do what it takes to make sure it succeeds. I cannot say enough about Dale Pahlke and Dakota Community Bank & Trust for what they have done for us in the past,” mentions Mittlestadt.

“It is just amazing the support that the community has for the rodeo and how people are willing to help out. It is greatly appreciated. Tons of support,” Mittlestadt says of both the community and DCB&T.

The Mandan Rodeo Days celebration is held every year from July 2-4. As a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) sanctioned rodeo, they have contestants come from across the nation to participate including National Finals Rodeo (NFR) quality contestants who come to town to try to win the title and some added money. Mittlestadt credits the quality of the riders together with specialty acts they bring in to making this event fun for the entire family. He also knows partnering with local celebrities such as Chad Berger with Dakota Rodeo Company as their stock contractor and Bubel Cattle Company for their timed event cattle also ups the ante.

Averaging 7,500 to 8,000 spectators over the three days, the event has also gotten close to hitting the 9,000 mark in its past. Not only does the event help the local economy and all businesses within it, but Mandan, and the people that live there, take a lot of pride in being able to host such a quality event.

The Mandan Rodeo is such a deep tradition and has been for many years. The oldest rodeo in North Dakota, Mandan is also the largest regular-season rodeo in the state. For more information on the Mandan Rodeo Days Celebration, visit: http://mandanrodeo.com/.

Written by Lindsey Hefta, Marketing Director