story by Lindsay King
[ July 20-22, 2018 ]
“I did not grow up around rodeo, I became a fan years ago. I am fascinated by the silent communication between the contestants and their horses. The relationship between man and animals are unique and personal,” said Lauri Havranek, O’Neill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. She serves as the secretary and treasurer for the O’Neill Summerfest Rodeo Committee. Responsible for the mass influx of paperwork bringing in the personnel, contestants and insurance, Lauri has helped the Nebraska hometown rodeo go off without a hitch for the past six years. “We are in the heart of rodeo country in this part of Nebraska, many of the fans follow M-SRA contestants across the circuit.”
Celebrating 34 years of rodeo excellence, the O’Neill Summerfest is a weekend tradition full of activities for all ages. From a kid’s carnival and drive-in movie, to parking lot parties and an art show, there is something for every kindred spirit. Catch the rodeo action at Carney Park starting at 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 21 with the festival action continuing through July 22. “Aside from our central location in the middle of the rodeo circuit that weekend, we have a great facility and places for the contestants to stay comfortably overnight.” Some of the contestants even make a “temporary headquarters” in O’Neill for the weekend to hit as many rodeos as possible.
Known as the Irish capital of the state, O’Neill knows how to host big groups as they boast a massive blowout for St. Patricks’ Day every year. “The rodeo originated as one avenue for the local businesses to say thank you to their patrons. The revenue from this event has a large impact on many businesses in town. From people staying over at Carney Park to those who come and support the businesses who sponsor the rodeo.”
Thanks to the sponsors and patrons, O’Neill is one of the higher paying rodeos for the contestants. “We were named Small Purse Rodeo of the Year by the M-SRA last year, an award we hope to continue getting year after year.” This has brought in contestants from all corners of the state for the annual event.
“We normally draw the top M-SRA contestants to our rodeo along with some local entries who are also competitive.” Thanks to the hard-working committee, the event is well-advertised and goes off without a hitch. “The Summerfest Rodeo Committee is a small group that works hard to make the rodeo a success. But the volunteers from the chamber groups, businesses, civic groups and community are the real backbone of the rodeo when the gates open. They all help out wherever they are needed to keep the weekend running smooth.”
Contracting with McKay Rodeo Company since the very first M-SRA rodeo in O’Neill, contestants compete in the Carol McKay Arena. “It was named after the previous owner of the stock company. We like using McKay because they are from O’Neill and are so great to work with year after year.” O’Neill is known for bringing in top clowns from all over Nebraska and other states, the most notable being Junior Young before he retired. “Junior used to travel thousands of miles every summer to entertain rodeo fans of all ages. We are fortunate to now have him as a member of our rodeo committee.” One stand-out event at the rodeo started last year, pitting local teachers against each other in the inaugural Inflatable Horse Races. “That Friday night we had teachers bouncing across the arena for the title of Jockey of the Year. On Saturday night community members rode the horses through the course for the title. Everyone found out it is much harder to ride them than it looks.” Though there will be no inflatable horse races this year, the committee is bringing in a clown from Minnesota. The committee would like to invite rodeo fans of all ages to spend the third weekend in July with us this year in O’Neill. They will enjoy exciting rodeo action along with great small-town hospitality!”
