family + fun

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The World's Championship Hamel Rodeo

WHERE: Corcoran Lions Park, County Rd. 101 and County Road 10 in Corcoran

WHEN: Thursday-Sunday , with shows at 7:30 nightly, plus a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday ; free pony rides are also available for kids beginning 90 minutes before each show

TICKETS: $8 to $16 at the gate, with discounted tickets available for the Saturday afternoon show; they can be purchased in advance at Farmers State Bank of Hamel, Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop, Inn Kahoots, the Medina Ballroom and online. Passes for all the shows are available for $55 for adults and $35 for kids.

MORE INFO: www.hamelrodeo.org

What began nearly 30 years ago as a fundraiser for six nonprofit community groups has grown into the largest rodeo in the state, attracting top competitors in classic riding and roping contests and up to 20,000 spectators each year.

The World's Championship Hamel Rodeo, which still helps fund those same six service organizations, marks its 29th anniversary this year with shows Thursday through Sunday.

"I don't think anybody could've just pictured it growing to the size that it is today," said Shorty Dorweiler, co-founder and operating manager of the event. "We've grown ... [to] attracting more local and regional competition. Now we attract literally worldwide competition."

For the first time this year, the rodeo will have a competitor from France, and contestants from Brazil and Australia also will make return trips. And some world-renowned rodeo figures will find their way home to Hamel.

The Kiesner family, which tours the globe with its Wild West show, has roots in the area. Parents Phillip and Julie are from Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, respectively, but now live on the road with their two sons, Roper and Rider. The family will perform for hometown crowds throughout the Hamel Rodeo, where they haven't done a show in several years.

"They're as talented as you will find," Dorweiler said of the Kiesners. "They are fantastic to watch."

KARLEE WEINMANN