Rain or Shine: Hawley Rodeo Fans Brave the Elements for a Timeless Tradition
Live from the Rodeo: Weatherman Russ Thomas Calls the Forecast from Hawley
HAWLEY, Minn. (June 11, 2025) —The 65th American Heroes PRCA Rodeo was held June 6 and 7, 2025. The rodeo poster read “rain or shine,” which was factual. The fans came out on Friday and packed the hillside to standing room only. On Saturday rain in the forecast couldn’t stop people from enjoying their annual tradition. Despite steady showers, a resilient crowd stayed determined to watch the rodeo competition until the end. Muddy conditions for contestants meant Sunday’s laundry was going to need extra soap. A few kids went home with muddy socks, following the Kids Boot Scramble presented by Boot Barn.
Valley News Live Weatherman Russ Thomas broadcasted his weather reports live on Friday from the rodeo grounds. The segments ran for three hours starting at 4 p.m. with rodeo personnel making guest appearances including Elsie and Martin Barnes, Kory Keeth, Jessica Blair Fowlkes, Greg McDonald, Tanner Aus and Bryan Hope. Thomas predicted rain on Saturday.
Clear blue skies and towering clouds greeted attendees as gates opened both nights at 5 p.m. However, the Saturday ticket holders came with umbrellas, ponchos, tarps, and rain gear. Rain drops rapidly increased at 7 p.m. for grand entry when Miss Rodeo Minnesota, Izzy Guy; Jr. Miss Minnesota, Emma Smith, and the Minnesota High School Rodeo Queen Claire Metzger brought in the military branch flags with local cowgirls Abby Anderson and Katie Jackson. Each cowgirl raced in on horseback while the music played the Armed Forces medley.
The Fargo Memorial Honor Guard presented the colors both nights. Hawley High School graduate Faith Rustad sang the anthem on Friday night. Brielle Rodke a current Hawley High School student sang on Saturday. She literally was singing in the rain. Her mom, Mindy, said, “she had a blast.” Rodke returned the microphone to the announcer stand with a giant smile on her face and completely soaked.
“It is always a sacred privilege to present old glory at the Hawley Rodeo as we have done for the past several years. Our love of country is such that we present all in all conditions rain or shine, sleet or snow. This year's rodeo was exceptionally beautiful on Friday night (perfect) and Saturday we were blessed with rain, Regardless, we stand firm with the great American tradition of rodeo,” said Commander Jason Hicks, United Patriotic Bodies/ Fargo Memorial Honor Guard
“As the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard our Monday through Friday job consists of military rites at the Fargo National Cemetery, all year round. From -20 below in February to 100 plus in July we stand tall for our departed comrades,” continued Hicks, retired US Army (SFC). Fellow veterans presenting the flag with Hicks were Robbie Grande USMC (Cpl), Lowell Asmus US Army (Sgt) Matt Lentz US Army (SSG).
The fans huddled together with some impressive tarps, as if they knew how to go ice fishing in the cold. Halfway through the performance the hill became a giant slip and slide. Keeth asked if any fans were willing to slide down the hill. He promised a Wrangler gift card as the incentive to a lucky individual who’d go first.
To learn more about the Hawley Rodeo history visit their website.