The city of Mandan is cleaning up after a very busy weekend.

Not only did the annual Jaycee's Fourth of July Parade attract thousands... hundreds more took part in Mandan Rodeo Days.

And organizers today say the rodeo was a hit, attracting large crowds.

And that's in part because the Mandan Rodeo attracts the best athletes in the nation.

Organizers say they've already begun planning for next year's rodeo.

It's been called one of the best rodeos in the country during the fourth holiday.

And they say the success of this year's rodeo once again only helps the city of Mandan.

People from all over had the chance to visit the small town and see what all the city has to offer.

Rodeo organizer John LaDuke says it' not too hard to attract the best of the best in the rodeo world.

With all the sponsors from the Bismarck-Mandan area, he says organizers are able to offer cowboys and cowgirls some nice prize money.

(John LaDuke / Chairman, Mandan Rodeo): "About 5 years ago we decided we wanted to make this a professional rodeo... a PRCA rodeo. And we knew that it was going to take a lot of money, and we went to the people of Bismarck and Mandan... the business people and said look this is what it's going to take to make this a rodeo, and they jumped and said okay... we'll do the sponsorships.. you put on the rodeo... and let's have a good time in Mandan on the 4th of July!"


LaDuke says next year, organizers hope to attract more people to the first two-days of the three-day rodeo event. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list