Why not, Minot? This saying rings true as to ‘how’ the Badlands Circuit Finals (BLCF) found its home in Minot, N.D. at the All Seasons Arena. The ‘Super Bowl’ of rodeo in North and South Dakota didn’t just happen to come to Minot — a force of forward thinking and rodeo-passion driven community members made it happen.

Thirty-five plus years of being a committee member and now on the current BLCF board, Max Weppler of Minot is a veteran to the game of organizing behind the scenes and assisting in many ways at producing a rodeo of this caliber.

In 2006 after the Y’s Men’s rodeo was finished for the year, Weppler proposed the idea: why don’t we have the circuit finals in Minot? “That was the unofficial start,” explained Jason Jenson, Norwich, Rodeo Minot Committee member.

“The BLCF was kind of jumping venues and towns throughout South Dakota and was never finding quite the right home,” explained Weppler. The Minoter jumped on the idea to bring it to the Magic City.

“We had a venue that could entertain the circuit finals and the fan base. The rest was just convincing our committee that this could work. We did our homework and made our rounds, found the sponsorships and the support needed,” stated Weppler.

Lo and behold, the unity was what Weppler described as a perfect marriage of a great rodeo and a great rodeo committee. “It’s fun to see it all come together. We enjoy talking to the other rodeo committees from other parts of the country like Red Bluff, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the NFR. We have learned so much through the years,” said Weppler.

Weppler grew up on a ranch in Montana, and the week of the circuit finals is kind of his week to get back to his roots. Having to leave the land that was always an adoration of his, due to life and work, only gave Weppler motivation to be a part of the rodeo industry and western way of life in a slightly different way than the dirt from the ranch.

Weppler also denoted that the stronger circuit finals have helped other rodeo numbers evolve throughout the region. Rodeo numbers have gone from 16 sanctioned Badlands Pro rodeos to now, 25 or so. “That’s a lot of pro-rodeos in the Dakotas for a season. The rodeo committees are working together more and always trying to improve. The various committees meet at the circuit finals, and we communicate and see what we can do to keep improving. The encouragement and communication and momentum has helped in all aspects of rodeo across the region,” mentioned Weppler.

Weppler working the arena floor [Photo: submitted]

“I have never seen a man give more and get less in return to the rodeo industry. The longevity of his involvement in assisting with making this rodeo happen every year speaks for itself,” explained Jenson, regarding Weppler.

The trade show showcased at the BLCF has been compared to ‘Cowboy Christmas’ much like the one that is spread across the NFR. However, the uniqueness and local vendors put a real authentic spin on Cowboy Christmas in October. “This year’s trade show is three times as big as last year, vendors are excited and ready for the sold-out crowds that are expected,” added Weppler.

From his humble beginnings of parking cars at the Y’s Men’s rodeo in 1981 to the evolution to what comes to the Magic City every October, contestants, fans, and the community can all be thankful for the devotion that Weppler puts into this premier occasion. Weppler has recently retired from the construction industry and is a stand-out Minot community citizen.

For tickets and information, visit: www.rodeominot.com