story by Lindsay King
At least eight years of sell-out performances for the M-SRA-sanctioned Sarpy County Rodeo in Springfield, Nebraska, brings contestants from all around. One of the biggest events of the year for M-SRA members, there is a whopping $12,000 added up for grabs. “Because of our location and demographics, we are able to get some really great sponsors and that is why we are able to have that amount of added money. I have been on both sides of it, on the production side and on the contestant side. It is important for these contestants going up and down the road to compete for as much money as they can,” said Chad Heinert, Sarpy County Rodeo chairman and M-SRA board member.
Held in conjunction with the Sarpy County Fair, the rodeo is an event many people look forward to each year. With good facilities and a great crowd, contestants and spectators alike mark their calendars for the event. “I see the same people come out year after year. They all look forward to it.” The two-day rodeo is usually held the first weekend in August starting at 8 p.m. Each performance is full with contestants and slack runs after Friday night’s performance. “Our goal for the rodeo is for it to run efficiently and for the fans to feel like they had a great entertaining experience. We pack as much fun into two hours and fifteen minutes as we possibly can. We try to provide the best contestants, stock, announcers and entertainers to keep the crowed engaged.” Wild-cow milking has been one of the big draws for the rodeo the last 15 years. “It is definitely one of the favorite events, it gets pretty wild but the crowd loves it.” The roar of the crowd has been cited as one of the major draws. “The more the crowd gets into the performance the more pumped up the contestants get, leading to high point rides and quick runs. Everyone just feeds off each other.” McKay Rodeo Company has been the stock contractor for many years. “They are good people, easy to work with and they always bring great stock for the contestants.” Chad likes to make sure everyone he hires is well taken care of so they will continue to come back.
He grew up on a ranch outside of Mandan, South Dakota, until his family relocated to northeast Nebraska when he was a teenager. “I competed and was around rodeo and Quarter Horse shows growing up.” Chad and Denise, his wife, have three children who serve as their main connection to rodeo today, Taylor, their daughter, and, their sons, Garrett and Dawson. “All my kids went to Iowa High Schools rodeos. I was vice president of that board for several years.” Living in Papillion, Nebraska, about as far east in the state as possible meant Iowa rodeos were closer than Nebraska rodeos. “Dawson was the reserve champion bull rider last year and won it this year. Both of my sons ride bulls in the M-SRA as well and have qualified for the finals.” All of Chad’s kids have competed in the Sarpy rodeo in years past, both boys have brought home their share of the added money in the bull riding.
“It all comes down to the support from the fair board, rodeo committee, local community and sponsors, that is why this rodeo has been such a success.”
