HELMVILLE – Despite nearly half of the Northern Rodeo Association (NRA) rodeos canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Helmville Rodeo Club is looking forward to hosting their 56th annual two-day Labor Day rodeo Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 starting at 1 p.m. both days. Because the NRA finals were canceled, this is the final rodeo in the NRA Tour 2020. The best of the best NRA cowboys and cowgirls are expected to participate as well as local favorites in the mini bull riding, mutton busting and barrel racing.
The Club has been busy ensuring protocols are in place to mitigate for COVID. They installed barrier fencing around the arena to limit entry to three points. Tickets will not be taken on the road this year. Instead attendees will park and enter through the ticket gate.
“I think it will flow as fast or faster as we did on the road,” said Club President Bill Baker highlighting the change.
Before entering the grounds, everyone will be temperature checked and receive a wristband.
“If we see someone inside without a wrist band, we know they hopped the fence and weren’t screened,” said Baker.
Masks are recommended for everyone but not required. Baker said there will be many signs posted telling people to enter at their own risk and encouraging social distancing. Concessions and beer will be available for purchase.
“We all believe pretty strongly in the rodeo and it was always a positive vote [from the Club]. We decided we would tackle it,” said Baker explaining why the Club decided to hold the rodeo. “It has been a lot more expensive and time consuming.”
Baker said he expects a large number of NRA contestants in Helmville this year. This is the final rodeo for the cowboys and cowgirls to ride for an NRA saddle or a buckle in their event. The top six steer wrestlers will compete on Sunday and the top six saddle bronc riders will be in the ring on Monday. New this year will be the top six breakaway ropes on Sunday where the winner takes home $700.
Locals can sign up for the mini bull riding that will take place at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday and also barrel racing that will happen during the rodeo. There will be the annual sheep riding for those seven and younger during the rodeo. Riders are encouraged to register with Red Eye Rodeo for the mini bull riding or at the rodeo office at the rodeo grounds the day of starting at 12 p.m.
In addition to the main rodeo Sunday and Monday, Open 4D Barrel Racing will be taking place Friday, Sept. 4 starting at 4 p.m. This event is open to anyone.
On Saturday, the Helmville Rodeo Club is hosting two classes of Team Branding, an Open and Pro-Am. The Open is for the more advance ropers and is a straight draw and the Pro-Am is for one pro and one amateur. The event is open to anyone starting at 11 a.m. The event starts at 12 p.m.
The Copper Queen Bar will be hosting a dance Saturday and Sunday nights. The dance Sunday night is in place of the event traditionally held at the Helmville Community Hall by the Helmville Community Club.
For more information visit the Helmville Rodeo Club Facebook page or call Baker at 406-793-5746.
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