Once again it’s time for the thrills and excitement of top ranked professional rodeo
action at Spooner Rodeo. Some of the sport’s most determined contestants will be here
again to vie for the points and dollars that make their efforts all worthwhile. How well
they compete here at Spooner may prominently play into their chances to qualify for circuit
finals, other extra competitions, and ultimately the National Finals itself held annually
in Las Vegas at year’s end.
Cowboys and women barrel racers from around the Midwest and beyond eagerly come to Spooner Rodeo each year. They’ve heard from their peers and the veterans of years past that it’s a good place to compete. There’s the promise of fun and excitement all around, stiff but fair competition, great entertainment, camaraderie, and a fine purse to vie for.
For the fans there’s much of the same – to watch, to take part in, to enjoy – great fun, great food, great thrills and great music to complete the day. Extras include shopping at the vendors’ booths all three days, special happenings at each show, prizes to win, and old friends to party with. And on Rodeo Saturday afternoon uptown, the huge Spooner Rodeo Parade with more than 100 units, bands, floats, horses galore, fire trucks, politicians, prizes, kids and more.
Mark your calendars now for:
Spooner Rodeo’s only stock contractor since the first Heart of the North Rodeo here in 1954, Bob Barnes is one of Professional Rodeo’s brightest lights and most enduring legends.
The Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company is the longest running rodeo company in the United States. Bob Barnes was named Stock Contractor of the Year in 1984. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1994. Every year Barnes stock performs at the highest level at professional rodeos across the country.
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Spooner Rodeo Committee and fans were saddened when Donita Barnes passed away just over a month after last year’s Spooner Rodeo. She and Bob Barnes were married four years after the first Spooner Rodeo, and she was an integral part of our Rodeo here every year from then on.
She was devoted to her husband and their three children, Mitzi, Marty, and John; and worked tirelessly for the family rodeo and farm operations. Donita was a lifetime member of the PRCA. In 2010, she received the Tad Lucas Memorial award, presented to women exhibiting spirit, courage and compassion while upholding rodeo's great western heritage.
Besides her husband, children, a brother, Dennis; and Bob’s sister, Marjorie; she is survived by 10 grandchildren: Zac, Bryce & Chad Johnson; Westin Barnes and his fiancé Katelyn Martin, Shayla, Micah, Mary & Mason Barnes; Megan (Chad) Berger, & Colton Barnes.
