The rodeo will be Saturday, July 12, at 5 p.m. on the south end of the Makoti Threshing grounds. Slack is at 9 a.m. that morning.

The Makoti Thresher’s Association (MTA) board of directors has been discussing a rodeo for the past two years and wanted to make the rodeo’s debut on the 65th anniversary of the show.

“This is going to be a fantastic event,” Chris Huus, president of the MTA, said. “We’ve been looking to add an activity to our show and a rodeo is an easy tie in with our event.”

Huus said the support from the local businesses, non-profit organizations and Ward County is ultimately what helped get the rodeo idea off the ground and running.

Submitted Photos Barrel racing and other rodeo events will be held during the first Makoti Rodeo to be held July 12 during the 65th Annual Makoti Threshing Show.

“As an organization and community, we are really looking forward to the Makoti Rodeo and the opportunities it will bring,” Huus said. “Our hope is that it’s successful and can continue on for years to come.”

Darin Vangsness, vice president of the MTA, said the board reached out to the Abrahamson Rodeo Company about a year ago to get an idea of what it would take to host an event of this scale.

“Well, we definitely have the real estate to accommodate the event – and a large campground with around 100 water hookups and 30-amp hookups,” Vangsness said. “We were even able to install a few 50-amp services last year because of the generosity of the Ward County Commission. So, with our updated grounds, it was really just a matter of finding the funds to make the rodeo a reality.”

“A few of our board members put their heads together and went out and made it happen. On behalf of the MTA board, we are very appreciative to all those who donated to make this possible,” he said.

Huus and Vangsness both expressed their appreciation to Kyle Abrahamson for helping the MTA organize the event.

Submitted Photos Barrel racing and other rodeo events will be held during the first Makoti Rodeo to be held July 12 during the 65th Annual Makoti Threshing Show.

Abrahamson is part owner of the Abrahamson Rodeo Company. He grew up in the area and graduated from high school in Makoti more than a decade ago. Abrahamson said he has many fond memories of attending the threshing show growing up and playing in the high school marching band during the parade.

“A rodeo will bring something new and exciting to the community and surrounding area. I’m definitely excited for it,” Abrahamson said. “And I think it will go beyond the fad of being something new and exciting. It will bring an entire new dynamic to Makoti’s show that hasn’t been there before. Rodeo and threshing shows are both western type events, so it will all tie in well together.”

He said the Makoti Rodeo has the potential to pull contestants in from three or four different states/provinces.

“Makoti has always been known for its threshing show, but having a rodeo will, without a doubt, help put the town on the map for a whole new group of people,” Abrahamson said. “Which, at least in my mind, is really a win-win for everybody involved.”

Rodeo, threshing among Makoti Threshing Show events

MAKOTI – The Makoti Rodeo will take place Saturday, July 12, at 5 p.m. on the south end of the Makoti Threshing grounds. A dance and fireworks will follow. Slack is at 9 a.m. that morning.

The parade times have also changed from last year. There will be a smaller parade on Friday, July 11, at 7 p.m., following the Tractor Trek around the city of Makoti at 5 p.m. The big parade will be Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m. Sunday will no longer have a parade. This year, however, there will be a Sunday morning church service at 9 a.m. and a North Dakota Heroes Foundation’s Soldier’s Cross Unveiling for Sgt. Keith L. Smette at 11 a.m. with a pancake feed to follow.

– Hunter L. Andes