2025
Since its inception in 1921, Nebraska’s Big Rodeo has remained a beloved fixture of Burwell, serving up thrilling rodeo action in an atmosphere of family, fun, and community pride. Countless hours from local community members and neighboring supporters helped drive this event year after year, weathering storms and challenges, and championing rural tradition. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo showed extraordinary resilience in 2025, with the near completion of the rebuilt north grandstands, the successful launch of a summer concert event, and a full rodeo schedule carried out despite another major weather setback. Volunteers, community partners, and fans came together once again to uphold the tradition and spirit that have defined Burwell for over a century.
Through challenge and change, Nebraska’s Big Rodeo continues to prove that it’s more than just a show—it’s a symbol of strength, heritage, and the unmatched power of community.
As we turn the page toward 2026, Nebraska’s Big Rodeo Committee is focused on rebuilding and strengthening our foundation—literally and figuratively. Following yet another devastating weather event in June that destroyed the west grandstands, infrastructure upgrades have become more than a goal, they are a necessity.
Plans are underway for a long-term, durable solution that will not only restore the west side seating but improve the overall experience for contestants, fans, and families. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to preserving the rodeo’s legacy and making sure future generations can experience Nebraska’s Big Rodeo at its finest.
Mark your calendars for July 22–25, 2026 and join us as we rebuild stronger than ever.
Keri Koenigsberg
Secretary
2022 was a year of highs and lows for Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell.
The highlight of the last year was being inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO. The rodeo committee was a member of an incredibly deserving induction group that included Trevor Brazile, Bobby Mote, Bobby Harris, Jake Beutler, the late Ardith Bruce, Mel Potter, PRCA Saddle Bronc horse of the Year Medicine Woman, and rodeo notable Cindy Rosser. In July 2022, just two weeks before the 101st edition of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo was set to be held, the rodeo committee along with their spouses and several Garfield County residents traveled to Colorado for the induction ceremony.
The low point of the year for Nebraska’s Big Rodeo was the storms that hit the Garfield County Fairgrounds. The first storm came on May 12, 2022. The storm brought with it torrential rain, 110+ mph winds and hail that caused the destruction of the North Grandstands and damage to several other buildings on the grounds. A second storm came through the area July 16th, 2022, while the rodeo committee was in Colorado for the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. This storm was not as severe as the storm in May, but also damaged parts of the fairgrounds. The community came together quickly, and volunteers jumped in and helped set up temporary grandstands for use during the rodeo for 2022.
Planning has begun for another great year of rodeo in 2023. The rodeo committee is working to make the 102nd year of Nebraska’s Big Rodeo as great as the years before it.
