Wahoo gets ready for annual rodeo

Dan Benes can't say enough good things about what people can expect at the 53rd Annual Wahoo Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo.

“It's going to be a good rodeo. We have some class acts between the different events,” said Benes, president of the Wahoo Saddle Club. “We've got something for kids of all ages. It's certainly good family entertainment.”

The rodeo, which begins at 8 p.m. today through Saturday at the Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo, features various events, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, tie-down roping and team roping.

Different contests take place each night as contestants are vying for a chance to compete in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

“There's rodeos and then there's a PRCA rodeo,” Benes said, noting even the entertainment must be approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Blake Goode's Roman Riding act will highlight this year's entertainment.

When not standing on two white horses known as the Flying Aces, Goode can be seen entering the ring on two white, 2,600-pound Brahma bulls. Goode's stunts have led him to be nominated for the PRCA Rodeo Entertainer of the Year Award.

“That guy has got a lot of time invested with those animals,” Benes said.

Adult tickets (ages 13 and over) are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Admission for children ages 6-12 is $5. Children ages 5 and under will be admitted free. Box seats ($12) are on sale at the Corner Market in Wahoo.

Advance tickets will be available through Friday at the following locations: Wahoo Super and Corner Market, Wahoo; Wolf Brother's, Omaha; Cubby's, Yutan; Gary's Western Wear, Gretna; Bomgaars, Fremont; Fort Western Outfitters and Tractor Supply, Lincoln.

Benes encourages rodeo goers to arrive early for the best seats.

Different groups will be honored each night of the rodeo with free or reduced admission.

Tonight, all 4-H'ers will be admitted free when accompanied by a parent or counselor. All active military and veterans will be admitted free on Friday while seniors ages 65 and over will receive half-price admission on Saturday.

LaRue's Little Horse Ranch will offer pony rides all three nights. Pony rides will be free tonight for children 5 and under.

The Saunders County Amusement Association will start up the carnival rides on the fairgrounds Friday and Saturday. A beer garden also will be open Friday and Saturday.

A rodeo dance featuring live music by Aces High will take place from 9 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. Friday and Saturday at Starlite Ballroom, 3 miles west of Wahoo on Nebraska Highway 92.

“We've got good community support and good team members,” Benes said. “All (Wahoo Saddle Club) members are involved. That's what makes it a success.”