Rick Thompson is executive director of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The 2023 annual meeting will be held in February at Minot’s Clarion Hotel. Photo from NDCHF.

MEDORA – The statewide organization, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, is making plans for its next round of nominations for its Hall of Honorees ballot. The deadline for 2023 nominations is Dec. 15.

NDCHF members and trustees will gather Feb.17-19 at Minot’s Clarion Hotel & Convention Center for their 2023 annual meeting, including hearing testimonials by family members and friends about the nominees being considered for the Hall of Fame ballot. The annual induction ceremony is held in the summer in Medora.

The 2023 slate will include seven individuals inducted in six categories. There will be one inductee for each category with the exception of the Modern-era Rodeo with two inductees.

The categories are:

— Cowboy Long Rider. Nominees will be individuals known for their positive contributions and accomplishments in North Dakota’s western heritage.

— Ranching Pre-1940s or Modern-era. Nominees must have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the livestock industry, ranching or western lifestyle.

— Rodeo Pre-1970s or Modern-era. Nominees will be individuals recognized for their achievement and participation in and of rodeo and rodeo events.

— Special Achievement. Nominees may be events noted for their character and uniqueness that support preservation and/or promote rodeo, western heritage or lifestyle.

This will be the 28th class to be inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2023.

For more information and nomination forms visit northdakotacowboy.org.

NDCHF District 5 is planning the 2023 annual meeting in Minot.

Other activities planned besides the testimonials about the nominees include a live auction and silent auction, a bowling tournament between the districts on Friday afternoon, Elvis and John Cash impersonator Dan Wagner to perform Friday night and Rachael Ianiro from Minnesota to perform Saturday night, according to District 5 trustees.

Any business, individual or individual who would like to contribute to the auctions can call Kathy Warberg, District 5 secretary, at 720-3234.