North Star Stampede slated July 24-26

Press release

As the last weekend in July approaches, residents of the Bigfork Valley are gearing up for the annual North Star Stampede.
Running July 24-26 in Effie, Mn., the Friday evening performance starts the weekend at 5 p.m., with the Saturday and Sunday shows starting at 2 p.m.
The North Star Stampede is Minnesota’s largest and oldest open rodeo.
An open rodeo means that anyone can compete, and no one is restricted due to membership (or lack thereof) in any rodeo organization or association.
Contestants from throughout the United States and Canada have competed here in years past, and are expected again this year.
The stampede also attracts a large number of working ranch cowboys—cowboys and ranchers who make their living on a ranch and only compete at a few rodeos a year.
A number of contestants have stated that “if they were restricted to only one rodeo a year, it would be the North Star Stampede.”
“We like it because it retains the old-time frontier flavour,” they add.
Many of them camp out at the ranch for the weekend and spend time visiting with other rodeo families.
Camping and parking is free to rodeo contestants and spectators.
“This is cow pasture camping, though, and there are no hook-ups or anything like that,” said organizer Howard Pitzen.
“There is no deep well on the grounds, so campers are urged to bring their own drinking water, as well as firewood,” he added.
“We will also not tolerate any loud or boisterous conduct,” Pitzen stressed. “Those groups will be asked to leave or will be arrested.”
Clowning the stampede this year will be Johnny Johnson of Chariton, Iowa.
He is a professional clown who has performed throughout a 10-state area, and has a number of acts and antics to entertain the crowd during the performances.
The North Star Museum, which hosts a collection of artifacts about the stampede, will be open on the rodeo grounds before and after each performance.
There also is a saddle collection, a replica of an old “line camp,” and many other interesting items.
There also is a host of other activities in the area during the weekend, including a downtown parade on the Saturday at 7 p.m.
“The cool, wet summer has been a little hard on some occupations and activities, but it has been good to the livestock,” Pitzen noted, adding they’re all fat, slick, and eager to show off and do their thing.
And, of course, their “thing” is to buck off cowboys.
“Still, there’s never a horse that can’t be rode or a cowboy that can’t be [thrown],” said Pitzen.
“We have a few bulls and broncs that have never been rode yet and it’s every bull or bronc rider’s dream to be the first to fit a ride on one of those critters with a reputation,” he stressed.
It’s also a good feeling to be in the stands when one of those rides is made.