HASTINGS, Neb. – This weekend, two of the biggest and most popular annual events are being held at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings.

Both the Kool-Aid Days festival, and the Oregon Trail Rodeo will begin Friday, and last until Sunday.

The Oregon Trail Rodeo is in its 34th year in Hastings, and will see over 200 rodeo competitors coming from as far away as Australia.

Rodeo participants will compete in eight different events, including bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, roping, and bull riding among others. 

The event is Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned, meaning there are professional judges scoring each individual event. 

Over $50,000 in prize money for event winners is up for grabs this weekend

Rodeo Publicist Ruth Nicolaus has more on what to expect at the Fairgrounds, and how its tradition keeps people coming back.

"It's more than just rodeo, it's entertainment, it's the place to go with your friends and make memories." said Nicolaus. "It's also a tip of the hat to our western culture, our western heritage and tradition, which is something we're pretty proud of in Nebraska."

On Saturday for the first time, there will be a post-rodeo concert, with the rodeo's 'Rodeo Clown' performing with a band. 

The rodeo will also once again feature the 'Tough Enough to wear Pink' night, where funds will be raised for the Morrison Cancer Center.

To wrap up on Sunday, the 190-member Mega Band returns to the rodeo, which is the combined marching bands of Hastings High, Adams Central, and Saint Cecilia high schools.

Tickets to the rodeo are still available online and at the door this weekend.