Catch all of the rodeo events and excitement that an AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo has to offer. The Aksarben Foundation hosts the 2016 Stock Show and CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo beginning on September 22 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally, the “down in the dirt” opportunities enable guests to get up close and personal with the cowboys and rodeo staff that make the events possible.
About Aksarben
In 1895, a group of Omaha businessmen met to find a way to keep the state fair in the city. The 12 men formed an executive committee who determined to take responsibility for the activities that occurred during fair week.
The group traveled to New Orleans by train and acquired the floats that made an appearance during Mardi Gras. On the return journey, the men discussed what to name their newly founded organization. One suggested that they merely reverse the letters of the state and adopt the name AKSARBEN. Another added that they should be known as the Knights of AKSARBEN, as they saved the fair.
As time passed, the organization hosted community celebrations and competitive events designed to focus on the development and education of area youth concerning agriculture.
Today, members remain devoted to carrying on the tradition by continuing to host many different youth-orientated events along with awarding approximately one million dollars in student scholarships.
Stock Show
The AKSARBEN Stock Show spans from September 22 through 25 and is renowned for being the largest 4-H stock show in the country. Approximately 1,200 youth and their animals travel from a 10-state region to Omaha in hopes of gaining championship awards. Hundreds more arrive for the chance to participate in the National Livestock Judging and 4-H Quiz Bowl competitions. The last day of the event includes a purple ribbon auction. The hundreds of thousands of dollars raised help fund the organization’s awards, premiums and scholarships.
CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo
On September 23 and 24, the top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls from around the world take to the arena to demonstrate their skills to the delight of thrilled audiences. AKSARBEN Rodeo champions will be declared in the barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and other western sports contests.
Additional activities include “mutton bustin” and visits by Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey and John Payne the “One Arm Bandit.” The north lawn of the CenturyLink Center will also host a heritage festival complete with a BBQ, activities, exhibits and live concerts.
Sports fans stay abreast of all things rodeo thanks to the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Cowboy Lifestyle Network and the Earnhardt Auto Centers Road Team who provide media highlights of the festivities. Tune into the Cowboy Lifestyle Network for updates and news releases.
