Headwaters PRCA ProRodeo & Xtreme Bulls Returns to Park Rapids for 4th of July

It’s the week of the 4th of July, and that means it’s rodeo time once again in Park Rapids with the annual Headwaters PRCA Rodeo & Xtreme Bulls.

It’s Minnesota’s largest professional rodeo, and this year it will have a few new features, including nightly themes like “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” on Wednesday, Jul. 1, and “Military Appreciation Night” on the 4th. There will also be more prize money, including a $40,000 purse on Friday for the PRCA Xtreme Bulls, which is the Midwest’s largest single day bull riding event.

But the rodeo will also feature everything the fans have come to know and love over the past 48 years.

“Good bucking bulls, a lively crowd, great bands every night, family-friendly atmosphere,” said Arena Director Luke Jokela. “It’s American’s original sport, so there’s really not a whole lot to miss when you come to the rodeo.”

He continued, “I feel like rodeo is founded on family, to be honest with you. It all started with the contractors, and their kids are getting raised around it. All these cowboys come in here, all the contractors, they’re fourth-, fifth-generation cowboys. And we want to bring a piece of the West right here to Minnesota. I’ve been coming up here since I was little and I got a couple little boys now, and I want them to spend the 4th of July the same way I did. This rodeo [has] made the 4th of July my favorite holiday.”

The 48th Annual Headwaters Rodeo runs four days, beginning Wednesday, Jul. 1 and concluding Saturday, Jul. 4. Tickets and more information are available at headwatersrodeo.com.