MANAWA, WI – One of northeast Wisconsin’s biggest Independence Day traditions returns this week as the Mid-Western Rodeo takes over Manawa with three days of rodeo action, live entertainment, and family-friendly events.
Co-chair Rachel Holschuh says the festivities begin Thursday, July 2, with the first rodeo performance at 7:30 p.m. The second performance follows Friday evening at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday’s schedule includes the annual Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m., a Family Day rodeo at 2 p.m., and the weekend finale at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday night’s performance will once again feature the rodeo’s annual “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” theme, encouraging spectators to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness.
Beyond the rodeo itself, attendees can enjoy live music after each evening performance. Spark Spark Bang performs Thursday night, Steel Shot takes the stage Friday, and Tailgate Country closes out the weekend Saturday night.
Entertainment throughout the weekend also includes mounted shooting and trick riding by Western Way Entertainment, rodeo clown and barrelman Hippie, and performances from the Hometown Heroes Drill Team, Pink Ribbon Rebels Drill Team, and the patriotic Rodeo City Riders Drill Team.
Organizers have also introduced a new admission process this year to help eliminate long lines that developed during previous rodeos.
“When you get to the gate, if you have your tickets, you can have them pre-scanned,” Holschuh said. “So you can come in, have the gate attendant scan your ticket, go on about shopping, and then you just buzz through the line before the rodeo starts.”
Holschuh says the new system allows visitors to enter the grounds, explore vendors and food stands, and then quickly access the grandstands when it’s time for the rodeo.
The 2026 event also marks the second year Rachel Holschuh and her mother have served as co-chairs following the passing of longtime rodeo chairman Peter Ziebell, who led the event for two decades.
The Mid-Western Rodeo runs Thursday through Saturday in Manawa and is expected to draw thousands of spectators from across Wisconsin for one of the state’s premier rodeo events.
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