The Dodge County Rodeo, produced by Rice Rodeo Company, will showcase the best regional display if its kind on Saturday, June 29, with events for the entire family starting at 7pm. Fans traveling to Beaver Dam for this event will be a part of history in the making as this is the only rodeo ever to be held in Dodge County. Being produced by an organization who lists thirty-five action-packed shows in their lineup, this event stands as the only IPRA (International Pro Rodeo Association) sanctioned event produced event in the upper Midwest. This inaugural rodeo in Beaver Dam will be nothing like enthusiasts have witnessed locally.
This professional rodeo has strong roots locally. Columbus local, Jason Firary has worked with Rice Rodeo for more than five years. The regional native will be supplying the rough stock, bucking horses and bulls for the June 29 event and is proud to be one of the few selected stock contractors for the 2024 tour.
Firary enthusiastically declares that, “If you attend one of Rice (Rodeo)’s events, you’re coming to see some of the best of the best …. some of the hottest contestants in each event …. coming to compete right here in Dodge County”. This event is also co-sanctioned with the World Champions Rodeo Alliance.
The two-hour event will include hours of great music, pyrotechnics, great comedy and thrilling competition during its schedule of events. The lineup will include: bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing and breakaway roping. With clown comedy sprinkled in and a huge, boot scramble being planned for the children in attendance, there will be something that engages everyone in from the crowd. The event will also include one of the hottest upcoming rodeo events – girls’ breakaway!
Firary loves the thrill of everything that locals will witness at the Dodge County Rodeo: the roar of the crowds, the mess of the dust and the mud, the energy from the steers and the bulls. He says that the atmosphere is just like the popular ballad “Rodeo”, by legendary Garth Brooks. The excitement from the arena will rope audiences closer to the action and keep them wanting for more of it.
The rodeo family has become Firary’s second family. For more than a century, his family has had a long-standing involvement in the horse business. Though they weren’t initially involved in rodeos as part of their family’s tradition, Firary was slowly introduced to the sport. His passion was shared with others entering the sport, when he moved to Oklahoma to participate in open and amateur rodeos and devoted his spare time teaching the next generation the art of riding and roping. After returning to Wisconsin, Firary began working with the Rice Rodeo Company team, who has become a second support system and community for him after his father’s passing in 2011.
“They have truly become a second family to me, representing the essence of what rodeo is all about – bringing people together, united by their shared passion for the sport. Whether one chooses to actively compete or simply be present to offer support, the rodeo community fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging.”. Firary shares that no other rodeo company compares to that of Rice Rodeo Company. Come see for yourself what kind of family-friendly event their passion and commitment to the sport can produce.
Dodge County Rodeo tickets may be purchased in advance online. Pre-purchased ticket holders will receive primary access for seating in the grandstands. Grandstands will open for general admission seating at 5pm. Save time at the gates and receive discounted admission – only $20 for adults and $10 for children (5-15 years of age). Children under four years of age are admitted free with a paid adult. Tickets at the gate will be $25 for adults and $15 for children. The event will be held rain or shine and a variety of food and drink options will be available for purchase at the concession stand. Please – no carry-ins. If you are traveling from out of town or are looking for a unique camping experience, overnight lodging and parking is available in the convenient, adjacent RV Park at the fairgrounds. Secure your camping spot online after you purchase your advance tickets.
Article by Jamie Adcock author of runningdivamom.com
Photos by Ryan Pintor
The lineup will include: bareback bronco riding, saddle bronco, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing and breakaway roping
