MANAWA, WI – Thousands of rodeo fans packed the Mid-Western Rodeo grounds in Manawa over the holiday weekend for three days of rodeo action, live entertainment, and Fourth of July festivities.
The annual event kicked off Thursday night with the opening rodeo performance before continuing Friday with Military Appreciation Night, honoring active-duty service members and veterans. Saturday’s celebration featured the popular downtown parade, an afternoon Family Day rodeo, and concluded with the annual “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” performance, raising awareness for breast cancer.
Beyond the rodeo itself, attendees enjoyed live music each evening, shopping vendors, food stands, drill team performances, mounted shooting demonstrations, trick riding, and entertainment from rodeo clown and barrelman Hippie.
Co-Chair Rachel Holschuh said the event once again brought together families from across Wisconsin to celebrate both the sport of rodeo and the Fourth of July holiday.
Organizers also introduced a new admission system this year, allowing guests to have their tickets scanned upon arrival before exploring the grounds, helping reduce long entry lines before each performance.
The 2026 rodeo also continued the tradition of honoring the late Peter Ziebell, who served as rodeo chairman for two decades and helped shape the Mid-Western Rodeo into one of Wisconsin’s premier rodeo events. Today, the event is co-chaired by Ziebell’s wife and daughter, who continue his legacy of bringing professional rodeo and family entertainment to Manawa.
With another successful year in the books, organizers thanked the volunteers, sponsors, contestants, and spectators whose continued support keeps one of northeast Wisconsin’s longest-running Independence Day traditions alive.
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