🎙️​Sutherland Gears Up for 88th Annual 4th of July Celebration

LISTEN TO PODCAST WITH JANET MUELLER

SUTHERLAND, Neb. — The countdown is over in Sutherland as the community prepares for its 88th annual 4th of July Celebration — a four-day stretch of small-town pride, rodeo action, and family fun that draws visitors from across Nebraska.

“It’s here — whether we’re ready or not,” joked Janet Mueller of the Sutherland Rodeo Committee in an interview with the North Platte Post’s Derek Beck. “The beginning of July isn’t planning time — it’s go time.”

Festivities officially begin Tuesday, July 1 with the return of the All-Girl Toughest With The Twine roping event at 4 p.m. at the Sutherland Rodeo Grounds. Mueller said the unique event challenges female ropers to head, heel, and breakaway — showcasing serious skills.

“It’s growing every year,” Mueller said. “All you have to do is come and enjoy a fun time with your family and cheer on your favorite cowgirl.” Admission is free, with concessions and a beer garden available.

From there, the celebration only ramps up, with action-packed days and nights leading up to the 4th.

Sutherland 4th of July Celebration Schedule

Tuesday, July 1

1. 4 p.m. — All-Girl Toughest With The Twine Roping Event at Rodeo Grounds

Wednesday, July 2

1. Noon — Steer Roping at Rodeo Grounds
2. 3 p.m. — Rodeo Slack at Rodeo Grounds (Mueller noted the arena redesign now helps wrap up Slack around 10 p.m. instead of going into the early hours.)

Thursday, July 3

1. 11 a.m. — Miss Sutherland Junior Rodeo Queen Horsemanship followed by a public lunch
2. 7 p.m. — Boot Race and Calf Scramble for kids, The Money the Hard Way for adults, and the main event: Night 1 of the Annual Sutherland Rodeo
3. After the rodeo — Street Dance at the Longhorn Bar with live music from Racal Martinez

Friday, July 4

1. 7 a.m. — Firecracker Run for the TEAMMATES Mentoring Program
2. 7:30–10 a.m. — Pancake Feed at the Lutheran Church
3. 9 a.m. — Kids’ Races & Frog Races at the High School Practice Field
4. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Community Lunch at Railroad Park sponsored by the Sutherland Chamber
5. 2 p.m. — The Annual Sutherland Lions Club Parade
6. 3–7 p.m. — Free Swimming at the Sutherland Pool
7. 7 p.m. — Boot Race, Calf Scramble, Junior Rodeo Queen Coronation, followed by Night 2 of the Sutherland Rodeo
8. After the rodeo — Street Dance with BJ Jamison at the Longhorn Bar

This year marks the 88th celebration and approximately the 82nd year of the Rodeo Queen competition, Mueller said. The Junior Queen contest serves as a stepping stone for young girls considering the journey to Miss Rodeo Nebraska, and Sutherland has produced more than its share of past winners.

“We see it as a function for the community,” Mueller said. “It’s not just about the number of years — it’s about bringing people in, showing them what Sutherland has to offer, and keeping our community vibrant.”

Advance rodeo tickets are available at Mines and Pronto in Sutherland or at the gate each night. Full details and event schedules can be found on the Sutherland Rodeo Facebook page or by searching "Sutherland, Nebraska" on Facebook.

As Mueller puts it: “We just like to provide the best entertainment we possibly can for the families out there.”