2026 North Star Regional Rodeo
2026 North Star Regional Rodeo Information
The North Star Regional Rodeo will be held July 25–26, 2026 at Dead Broke Arena in Hugo, Minnesota. Located just north of the Twin Cities, the venue provides a welcoming setting for a full weekend of rodeo action, community, and celebration.
This is an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo, and all 2026 International Gay Rodeo Association rules will apply. Produced by the North Star Gay Rodeo Association, the event brings together competitors and fans from across the country and Canada to celebrate western heritage, sport, and inclusion.
Rodeo performances begin at Noon both Saturday and Sunday, starting with Grand Entry. Awards on Sunday will take place approximately two hours following the conclusion of the rodeo and will be held at the arena.
ORDER OF EVENTSGrand Entry 1130am (staging at 11a)Calf Roping On FootChute Dogging
Breakaway RopingTeam RopingSteer DecoPole BendingSteer RidingGoat DressingCommunity Goat Dressing (both days)Barrel RacingFlag RaceWild Drag RaceBull Riding
Thank you to our Outstanding Officials from 9+ states!Rodeo Director: Jorge Sanchez (MN)Assistant Rodeo Director: Emaly Allison (IL)Arena Director: Tim Smith (TX)Arena Crew Coordinator: Devon Garcia (CO)Chute Crew Coordinator: Greg Tinsley (CO)Lead Judge: Chris Tobin (SD)Judges: Candy Pratt (TX) & Marcus Boogie Hood (TX)Secretary: Ron Trusley (AZ)Scorekeeper: Guy Puglisi (NV)Auditor: Bruce Roby (CA)Announcer: Tre Brewbaker (NM)Announcers Assistant: Ash McCauley (TX)
Tickets This is a free rodeo, created with community in mind. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the excitement of rodeo—regardless of financial barriers. By offering free admission, we aim to create an accessible, welcoming environment for fans, families, and first-time attendees alike.
Lodging There is no official host hotel, however, many of our fans and officials will be staying downtown Minneapolis near the Saloon and other community venues that support NSGRA year round. Vendors Vendor spaces are available. For vendor information and applications, please contact Rodeo Director Jorge Sanchez at LetsRodeoMN@gmail.com Onsite Camping Limited onsite dry camping is allowed at the rodeo grounds. For more information, please contact Rodeo Director Jorge Sanchez at LetsRodeoMN@gmail.com Weekend Schedule Friday – July 24 Ride the River Tubing – Rodeo Kickoff Welch Mill Tubing • 10:00 AM Kick off rodeo weekend with a river float alongside competitors and fans. Regular venue pricing applies. Cash only. Tubes are provided by the venue. Coolers and drinks are allowed; no glass permitted. For more information, contact Tre Brewbaker Contestant Registration: 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the arena Entertainment, Music & Dancing Following registration through the evening Saturday – July 25 Gates Open • 11:00 AM New Contestant Meeting • 11:30 AM Grand Entry & Rodeo Start • 12:00 PM Following the rodeo, enjoy a live band, beer bust, and dancing under the tent at the arena. Sunday – July 26 Gates Open • 11:00 AM Grand Entry & Rodeo Start • 12:00 PM Awards Presentation Approximately two hours following the conclusion of the rodeo, held at the arena
Thank you to our Outstanding Officials from 9+ states!Rodeo Director: Jorge Sanchez (MN)Assistant Rodeo Director: Emaly Allison (IL)Arena Director: Tim Smith (TX)Arena Crew Coordinator: Devon Garcia (CO)Chute Crew Coordinator: Greg Tinsley (CO)Lead Judge: Chris Tobin (SD)Judges: Candy Pratt (TX) & Marcus Boogie Hood (TX)Secretary: Ron Trusley (AZ)Scorekeeper: Guy Puglisi (NV)Auditor: Bruce Roby (CA)Announcer: Tre Brewbaker (NM)Announcers Assistant: Ash McCauley (TX)
Tickets This is a free rodeo, created with community in mind. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the excitement of rodeo—regardless of financial barriers. By offering free admission, we aim to create an accessible, welcoming environment for fans, families, and first-time attendees alike.
Lodging There is no official host hotel, however, many of our fans and officials will be staying downtown Minneapolis near the Saloon and other community venues that support NSGRA year round. Vendors Vendor spaces are available. For vendor information and applications, please contact Rodeo Director Jorge Sanchez at LetsRodeoMN@gmail.com Onsite Camping Limited onsite dry camping is allowed at the rodeo grounds. For more information, please contact Rodeo Director Jorge Sanchez at LetsRodeoMN@gmail.com Weekend Schedule Friday – July 24 Ride the River Tubing – Rodeo Kickoff Welch Mill Tubing • 10:00 AM Kick off rodeo weekend with a river float alongside competitors and fans. Regular venue pricing applies. Cash only. Tubes are provided by the venue. Coolers and drinks are allowed; no glass permitted. For more information, contact Tre Brewbaker Contestant Registration: 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the arena Entertainment, Music & Dancing Following registration through the evening Saturday – July 25 Gates Open • 11:00 AM New Contestant Meeting • 11:30 AM Grand Entry & Rodeo Start • 12:00 PM Following the rodeo, enjoy a live band, beer bust, and dancing under the tent at the arena. Sunday – July 26 Gates Open • 11:00 AM Grand Entry & Rodeo Start • 12:00 PM Awards Presentation Approximately two hours following the conclusion of the rodeo, held at the arena
Contestant Info
The North Star Regional Rodeo is an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo, and all IGRA Rules apply.
Variance Registration approved for 90 minutes (5:30p-7:00p) 2026 IGRA Rodeo Rules Registration (on-line) All contestants with an assigned IGRA number must complete and pay for an online registration with a date-time stamp by 10:00 pm Mountain Time no less than fifteen (15) days before the rodeo’s first performance to compete. Registration closes on Friday, July 10, 2026. New contestants may contact the IGRA office to obtain an IGRA number, a minimum of thirty (30) days before the rodeo and complete an online registration HERE. You can also visit the IGRA website. On-site registration will be from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Dead Broke Arena. If you are unable to get to registration or will be late, you must call the Rodeo Secretary. Late Registration and Fees Late registration and Pre-registered contestants adding events will be accepted for all events except bull and steer riding. The late registration fee will be $50.00. The late fee applies to contestants who will have been assigned a four (4) digit IGRA contestant number greater than 30 days from the registration dates and who are registering late for chute dogging or roping events or adding these events Per Rule VIII, 2, f & g. Rodeo Entry Contestants must enter a minimum: One (1) event per go-around OR Two (2) events on one day. Entry fees will be thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per person, per go-around. Pre-registration must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of seventy dollars ($70.00). The non-refundable $70.00 entry fee deposit and any additional stall fees will be forfeited to the host association if the contestant fails to show up for the rodeo. New Contestant Meeting All new (first time) contestants must attend a New Contestant Meeting prior to the rodeo at 10:30am Saturday, July 25, 2026 in teh contestant area below the crows nest. All new contestants must attend, or you will be disqualified from the rodeo competition. Pay Out and Rodeo Awards Day money will be paid in accordance with IGRA Rodeo Rule XIV. Event awards and All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl Awards will be rodeo buckles and ribbons. The Awards ceremony will be on Sunday, April 26th, at 7:30 pm in the Arkansas Building at the fairgrounds. Veterinarian and Farriers A veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies during non-rodeo hours. The name and number of the on-call veterinarian will be posted in the barn area of the rodeo weekend. A list of on-call farriers will be available during on-the-ground, horse activities. Name(s) and number(s) will be posted in the barn area and posting board. Buddy Passes Buddy Passes may be purchased at Friday’s contestant registration. The buddy must be present and sign the liability waiver when the badge is purchased.
Variance Registration approved for 90 minutes (5:30p-7:00p) 2026 IGRA Rodeo Rules Registration (on-line) All contestants with an assigned IGRA number must complete and pay for an online registration with a date-time stamp by 10:00 pm Mountain Time no less than fifteen (15) days before the rodeo’s first performance to compete. Registration closes on Friday, July 10, 2026. New contestants may contact the IGRA office to obtain an IGRA number, a minimum of thirty (30) days before the rodeo and complete an online registration HERE. You can also visit the IGRA website. On-site registration will be from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Dead Broke Arena. If you are unable to get to registration or will be late, you must call the Rodeo Secretary. Late Registration and Fees Late registration and Pre-registered contestants adding events will be accepted for all events except bull and steer riding. The late registration fee will be $50.00. The late fee applies to contestants who will have been assigned a four (4) digit IGRA contestant number greater than 30 days from the registration dates and who are registering late for chute dogging or roping events or adding these events Per Rule VIII, 2, f & g. Rodeo Entry Contestants must enter a minimum: One (1) event per go-around OR Two (2) events on one day. Entry fees will be thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per person, per go-around. Pre-registration must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of seventy dollars ($70.00). The non-refundable $70.00 entry fee deposit and any additional stall fees will be forfeited to the host association if the contestant fails to show up for the rodeo. New Contestant Meeting All new (first time) contestants must attend a New Contestant Meeting prior to the rodeo at 10:30am Saturday, July 25, 2026 in teh contestant area below the crows nest. All new contestants must attend, or you will be disqualified from the rodeo competition. Pay Out and Rodeo Awards Day money will be paid in accordance with IGRA Rodeo Rule XIV. Event awards and All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl Awards will be rodeo buckles and ribbons. The Awards ceremony will be on Sunday, April 26th, at 7:30 pm in the Arkansas Building at the fairgrounds. Veterinarian and Farriers A veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies during non-rodeo hours. The name and number of the on-call veterinarian will be posted in the barn area of the rodeo weekend. A list of on-call farriers will be available during on-the-ground, horse activities. Name(s) and number(s) will be posted in the barn area and posting board. Buddy Passes Buddy Passes may be purchased at Friday’s contestant registration. The buddy must be present and sign the liability waiver when the badge is purchased.