It’s rare for an event to capture hearts and minds for almost 140 years. But the Mandan Rodeo has continued to thrive each year. And primary stock contractor Chad Berger says this, the 138th year, is going to raise the bar, because for the first time, bull riding will kick off the festivities.
Berger said, “You’re going to expect one of the greatest bull ridings I think Mandan has ever seen. We’ve got all the world champions that are riding. Cody Teel, world champ. Shane Proctor, world champ, and three-time and current world champ Sage Kimzey, matching him up against Pearl Harbor for 20 thousand dollars.”
So there’s quite a lot to see just on the first day. And Berger, who supplies all the livestock for the rodeo and whose heart is in Mandan, says there’s no other place he’d want to be this weekend.
“Great crowd every year, great stock, great riders, and the best set of lineup of riders we’ve ever had are coming to Mandan,” he said.
But if he had to choose the best part?
“I get to showcase my talent–my bulls’ talent I should say–in front of all my hometown people,” Berger said. “I’m pretty proud of where I’m from, and this makes it all worthwhile to be here in Mandan.”
