Community Support Fuel Growth of Indianola Ranch Rodeo Arena
- Anna LaBay
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
INDIANOLA, Neb. — What started as a grassroots effort to bring back a long-lost tradition has grown into one of the area’s most unique and community-driven attractions.
Now, with new arena lighting being installed, the Indianola ranch rodeo arena is entering its next phase, one that organizers say will open the door to more events, more visitors, and even greater impact for the region.
“We’re not even done with them yet,” said Jon Harris, referring to the new lights currently being installed by KC Motor and Electric. “But this was really the last piece we needed.”
From Temporary Setup to Thriving Arena
Just a few years ago, the arena didn’t exist. “There used to be an arena here when we were kids, but then there was nothing for several years,” Harris said.
In 2021, a small group of volunteers decided to bring it back starting with borrowed equipment and a lot of determination. “We borrowed panels and mobile corrals and just set it up out here the first couple years,” said Mike Slattery. “Then we built the main arena, added sorting pens, bucking chutes, and the crow’s nest. The lights are kind of our last big project.”
That growth didn’t happen alone. “There’s no way we could do this without the community,” Harris said. “Sponsors, volunteers, people showing up, that’s what keeps it going.”
A Different Kind of Rodeo
Unlike traditional rodeos, ranch rodeos are designed to reflect real ranch work. “It’s more like what actually happens in the real world,” Slattery explained. “You might have to rope cattle, sort them, and load them. It’s fast-paced and there’s a lot going on.”
The event has grown in popularity, drawing competitors from across the region. “We’ve had teams from Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, all over,” Slattery said. “We’ve got enough support and added prize money that it’s worth their trip.”
And it’s not just competitors who travel. “Spectators travel too,” said Cindy Hays, a key organizer who helps lead sponsorship efforts. “Once people come, they love it.”
Community Investment at Every Level
The arena’s continued growth is fueled by strong local support from sponsors to volunteers to public partnerships. Organizers estimate they now have around 50 sponsors contributing to the event and facility. “It’s a lot of generosity,” Harris said. “Almost everything we make goes right back into improving this place.”
The new lighting system itself was made possible through a grant from the Red Willow County Tourism Board, along with support from local leaders like Randy Dean. Before the upgrade, the group had to rent light towers each year a costly and limiting expense. “It was about $1,700 just for one event,” Slattery said. “That’s why we were basically limited to one event a year.”
Opening the Door to More Events
With permanent lighting in place, that limitation disappears. “We can flip a switch and have an event now,” Harris said. “We’ve never been able to do that before.”
Organizers are already planning to expand beyond the annual ranch rodeo, with ideas including:
Weekly roping practices
Jackpot roping events
Potential bull riding events
Youth-focused activities like a “Kids Fun Day”
The arena is also open to community use. “That’s what we built it for,” Slattery said. “4-H, FFA, church groups — anybody. We want people to use it.” One example is a local church camp that brings nearly 90 kids to the arena for hands-on activities with horses.
Boosting Local Tourism and Economy
Leaders say the arena also plays a role in keeping visitors and dollars in the area. “If people are already here for something at the fairgrounds, we can host events here too,” Harris said. “That keeps people in the community longer.”
The timing of the ranch rodeo aligns with Indianola’s Old Settlers celebration, which has grown into a multi-day event featuring activities for all ages. “We kick things off with the rodeo on Friday, then it goes into the parade and events on Saturday,” Harris said. “It’s turned into a whole weekend.”
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Beyond the competition, organizers emphasize the atmosphere. “It’s just a fun, family-friendly place,” Harris said. That includes a newly lit playground area nearby, adding another layer of accessibility for families attending events. “You’ve got people sitting on tailgates, kids playing, families everywhere,” Slattery said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Looking Ahead
This year’s ranch rodeo is tentatively scheduled for August 8, with additional events expected to be announced in the coming months. Organizers say their focus now shifts to growing participation, improving facilities, and continuing to build something the community can be proud of. “We don’t want to just do the same thing every year,” Harris said. “We want to keep making it better.”
And at the heart of it all remains the same goal:
“To get people involved,” he said. “Because if we don’t encourage the next generation, this way of life could go away.”
Courtesy Photo
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