“Mr. Smooth” Honored as
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo 2012 Grand Marshall
Rex Dunn--PRCA Hall of Fame Member, Legendary Bullfighter, and Stock Contractor fighting bulls at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell. Burwell’s signature steel bull fence and white picket track fence are shown in the background.
Rex Dunn, professional bullfighter and fighting bull contractor, will be honored by Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell as their 2012 Grand Marshall. Rex endeared himself to many Burwell fans during his fourteen years as a bullfighter and entertainer at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, which ended in 1991. Many remember Rex for his “bull-chariot,” which was created and used specifically at NBR.
Rex Dunn was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2007, and with the same grit and determination that he used throughout his great career, Dunn has fought off the disease and beaten his doctor’s predictions. While his cancer is terminal, he has given credit to his wife and sons for being his ultimate support system and to God for willing him to live.
Rex Dunn was selected to work three National Finals Rodeos (1983, 1985-86), two Canadian Finals Rodeos and 13 circuit finals over a 16-year professional bullfighting career in which his deceptively effortless style earned him the nickname “Mr. Smooth.” He twice finished second in the Wrangler Bullfighting standings – making six appearances from 1982-87 – and was voted PRCA Clown of the Year in 1985. Once he stepped out of the arena, Dunn began putting on bullfighting schools and became a fighting-bull stock contractor, creating Coyote Hills Rodeo. He had 138 bulls selected for the NFR bullfighting competition from 1986-2000, including Howdy Doody, the 1997 Fighting Bull of the Year, and two reserve champions. The Professional Bullfighters organization has named an award in his honor, in tribute to his excellence.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo Boosters will be producing a commemorative plate featuring Rex Dunn at Burwell. The numbered plates will be limited in quantity and proceeds will be used to fund improvement projects at the NBR grounds.
Tickets are now available online. Thursday night is "Kids Night". Go to the “tickets” menu and get yours today!
July 25- 26- 27- 28, 2012
There will be four night performances, the Saturday afternoon performance has been changed to a Wednesday night performance. Thursday night will still be "Kids Night". The Steer Roping will be Thursday morning, rodeo slack Friday morning. There will also be a kids event with mutton bustin and a wild pony horse race on Saturday afternoon.
See you in Burwell in 2012!!
Chuck Wagons
NBR is excited to be able to bring the Canadian Chuck Wagons back for another year. Neil Salmond along with his team of skilled and daring chuck wagon racers will be thrilling the spectators with their chuck wagon and chariot races during the four night performances of the 2012 NBR. They have been part of NBR for many years, it wouldn't be the same rodeo performance without them. Don’t miss out, get your tickets today!
Welcome to Nebraska's Big Rodeo
Rodeo returns to Burwell this year much as it did in 1921 when Homer C. Stokes started the town's first-ever rodeo in 1921 with wild horse race, bronc riding and calf roping.
The facilities at Nebraska's Big Rodeo are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, so care is taken to try and keep the event very similar to the way it was presented in the 1920's. The facilities boast one of the largest outdoor rodeo areas in the world, so the rodeo committee tries to use it to it's fullest potential.
Few rodeo shows offer action both on the track and in the arena simultaneously. Events like clown acts, the dinner bell derby, a mounted flag presentation and much more may be happening at the same time as regular events take place in the arena. Many visitors say they must return just to see what they missed the first time.
Nebraska's Big Rodeo and the Garfield County Fair feature facilities which capture the rustic charm and importance of the annual event. The rodeo and fair are held each year on a sprawling 40 acres of grounds, and have plenty of room to accommodate the growing needs of such a popular event. Features of the facility are:
· One of the world's largest outdoor arenas.
· 3/4 mile track surrounding the arena.
· Original covered grandstands built by the Garfield County Ag Society.
· Ten bucking chutes, roping chutes, newly installed pens and sorting corrals.
· Outdoor dance pavilion.
· 4-H Extension building, animal exhibits and barns, and continuous youth shows.
· An established midway with permanent stands and a large community building.
· Nostalgic ticket office and booths.
· Centrally located on Highway 11, near the City of Burwell.
· Beautiful grounds which are recognized throughout the country and which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2006 crews worked for several weeks to paint and refinish several areas at the fairground including the North covered grandstands which appear in their signature red and white colors. In 2009 crews again began a major construction project. A new crowsnest was added and Skybox seating, giving fans an up close view of the action going on in the arena. The Rodeo Board and community groups work year-round to maintain and add to the beauty of their fairgrounds. |
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