EFFIE — If you’re someone who prefers living history to reading about it, then load up your car and head to Effie the weekend of July 25–27 for the 70th edition of the North Star Stampede open rodeo.
This isn’t just Minnesota’s largest and oldest open rodeo – it’s the country’s longest-running family-run rodeo still held in its original arena, making Effie a must-stop for rodeo lovers and curious road-trippers alike.
The tradition and splendor of the North Star Stampede draws top-notch competitors and fans from across the country and Canada for three days of bull-busting, bronc-riding, crowd-pleasing action. This year, organizers say fans will get more than their money’s worth, with 70 bronc and 100 bull riders, and a full slate of timed-event contestants set to take the arena.
And if three days of rodeo action somehow isn’t enough, there’s also slack competition on July 24, beginning at noon, a great chance to catch some of the same events in a lower-key setting.
The main shows kick off Friday at 5 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday performances starting at 2 p.m. All events take place rain or shine.
This year’s Stampede adds a new wrinkle to the weekend lineup with specialty performers Rider and Bethany Kiesner, a duo known for fast-paced trick roping, whip-cracking, gun-spinning, and trick riding routines that harken back to early rodeo traditions.
Rider, a fifth-generation cowboy, picked up his first trick rope at nine and was performing professionally by 11. Bethany took a different route into the sport, drawn in by the spectacle as a kid and eventually making it her career.
The two have traveled widely and performed on some of rodeo’s biggest stages, but their act is rooted in a clear respect for the craft and its history. Their combination of skill and timing earned them the PRCA’s 2020 Dress Act of the Year and gives folks one more great reason to make the drive to Effie.
Behind the microphone this year is the rich voice of Wyoming’s J.W. Kinder, who’ll call the action with a seasoned mix of knowledge and wit. And rodeo clown Jesse Larson will keep the crowd grinning between bronc rides and barrel turns.
Camping is available on-site, but there are no hookups or amenities. All campers must have a three-day pass for each member of their group. Attendees are advised to bring their own water and firewood.
Admission is $20 per day for adults, $10 for kids aged 6-13, and three-day passes are available for $50 for adults or $20 for kids. Children five and under get in free.