Peggy Gander/Cowboy Images Bullfighter Josh Rivinius, Elgin, squares off against a bull during the 2018 Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot. Rivinius has announced he’ll be retiring after next week’s Y’s Men’s Rodeo. He has been a bullfighter for more than two decades.

The chutes open Friday night for the 65th annual Y’s Men’s Rodeo held at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot. Four performances are scheduled. Seven stock contractors are providing their best bucking stock for the event.

“They bring their best animals. They want to show off too,” said Ruth Nicolaus, Nebraska, media spokesperson. “It’s a showcase of what you’ve got.”

The Y’s Men’s Rodeo is one of just 12 rodeos in the United States that will crown champions to advance to the national finals in April in Florida. In addition, noted Nicolaus, the Y’s Men’s Rodeo is unique in that it is the product of a service organization.

“All profits go to the Triangle Y Camp, to camp scholarships for kids, for new construction and improvements,” said Nicolaus. “People can come to the rodeo and have a good time and make the world a little bit better for somebody else.”

While barrel racing, roping and bull riding are all part of each of the four performances there’s also much more. Activities outside the arena includes a chili cook-off, Best of the West fashion show and the crowning of Miss ND Rodeo 2020.

The event is also the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Pro Rodeo designation for North and South Dakota. The action and battle for points will be non-stop.

“You don’t dare look away. You never know what is going to happen,” said Nicolaus. “That bull doesn’t care who you are. He’s in your head. It’s a very raw, unique competition.”

New this year to the Y’s Men’s Rodeo is breakaway roping. It is a women’s event similar to tie-down roping. A rope is tied to the saddle horn and when it breaks away the time stops.

“We’ll be the first circuit rodeo to have it,” noted Nicolaus.

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Y’s Men’s Rodeo schedule

All performances at ND State Fair Center

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6