Freedom 250 Brings Rodeo 250 to the National Mall for America's 250th Anniversary Celebration
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Freedom 250 today announced Rodeo 250 – The Evolution of the American Cowboy, a signature attraction coming to the Great American State Fair on the National Mall from June 25 through July 10, 2026, as part of the nationwide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Produced by Cervi Rodeo Company, one of the most respected names in professional rodeo, Rodeo 250 will bring the history, culture, and traditions of the American West to the heart of the nation's capital through daily live performances showcasing the evolution of the American cowboy.
Set against the backdrop of the National Mall and America's most iconic monuments, Rodeo 250 will combine horsemanship, storytelling, western entertainment, music, and live rodeo demonstrations to tell the story of the people and traditions that helped shape the American frontier and the nation itself.
"For generations, the cowboy has represented the very best of the American spirit — grit, determination, self-reliance, and optimism," said Keith Krach, Freedom 250 CEO. "Rodeo 250 is more than a western showcase; it's a celebration of the values and traditions that helped build our nation. As we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, we're proud to bring this uniquely American experience to the National Mall and share an important chapter of our nation's story with visitors from across the country and around the world."
"The story of the cowboy is the story of America," said Binion Cervi of Cervi Rodeo Company. "As our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, innovation, and perseverance, there is no better place than the National Mall to honor the men and women whose grit, determination, and spirit helped build the American West."
Unlike a traditional rodeo competition, Rodeo 250 is designed as a living historical experience. Visitors will journey through the evolution of the American cowboy. From Spanish vaquero traditions to cattle drives, Wild West performances, charros, trick riding, Roman riding, trick roping, and the emergence of modern professional rodeo.
The production will feature premier western entertainers, horsemen, specialty acts, and cultural performers showcasing skills and traditions passed down through generations. Audiences will experience precision riding demonstrations, traditional Mexican charro performances, liberty horse exhibitions, western storytelling, and other authentic displays of western heritage.
Rodeo 250 is one of hundreds of attractions, exhibits, performances, and experiences planned for America's World Fair, a first-of-its-kind national exposition transforming the National Mall into a living showcase of American achievement, innovation, culture, and history.
Inspired by the great World's Fairs that introduced generations to groundbreaking ideas and technological advancements, the Great American State Fair will bring together all 50 states and 6 territories alongside leading American companies, educational institutions, cultural organizations, museums, military units, faith-based organizations, and innovators from across the country.
Rodeo 250 will be presented daily at the American Heartland Arena during the Great American State Fair, giving visitors from across the country and around the world a chance to experience one of America's most iconic traditions in the heart of the nation's capital. Shows run Sunday–Wednesday at 4 PM and Thursday–Saturday at 7 PM, with a special July 4 performance at 3 PM.
As America commemorates its Semiquincentennial, Rodeo 250 serves as a reminder that the values embodied by the cowboy — hard work, grit, integrity, courage, resilience, and patriotism — remain as relevant today as they were 250 years ago.
As part of The Great American State Fair, Rodeo 250 is open to the public. Admission is free; advance registration is encouraged; walk-ups are welcome. Registration for the Fair grants entry to Rodeo 250.
Rodeo 250 Performers
Binion Cervi
Rodeo Livestock Producer | Major Rodeo Production
Cervi Championship Rodeo is one of the most recognized stock contracting and rodeo production companies in professional rodeo. Founded when Mike Cervi purchased the original Cervi rodeo string in 1967, the company has grown into one of the largest rodeo producers in the PRCA, while remaining a family-run operation rooted in livestock, production, and arena entertainment. Cervi is known not only for providing quality bucking stock, but also for helping committees build stronger performances through production planning, sponsorship support, entertainment, and a complete rodeo experience.
Notable accomplishments include: Cervi produces some of the largest rodeos in the United States, including Denver CO, San Antonio TX, Houston TX, Nampa ID, Springdale AR, Sidney IA, Fort Madison IA, and Casper WY. The company maintains one of the largest rough-stock breeding programs in the PRCA, with Cervi's owning more than 800 horses and 150 bulls in the program. Cervi livestock has consistently appeared at the National Finals Rodeo, and the company's bloodlines trace back to major award-winning bucking horses, including Descent, a six-time Bucking Horse of the Year.
Shawn Howard
Stagecoach Performer | Horse Driving
Shawn Howard, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and one of the nation's premier stagecoach drivers, has built an international reputation for elite horsemanship, multi-horse hitch driving, and authentic Western performance. As the official stagecoach driver for South Point Casino and the most prestigious events in professional rodeo, The National Finals Rodeo. Howard is recognized for preserving the traditions of the American West while delivering world-class performances. A seasoned stunt performer and horse-drawn vehicle specialist, he has contributed to major film and television productions, including Wild Wild West, Manhunt, Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, and Kevin Costner's Horizon, as well as projects associated with acclaimed writer-director Taylor Sheridan. Howard now adds another milestone to his distinguished career by participating in events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, bringing living frontier history and exceptional stagecoach craftsmanship to a national audience.
Justin McKee
Announcer | Broadcaster | Rodeo Storyteller
Justin McKee is one of the most recognizable voices in western sports, with a career spanning live rodeo announcing, national television broadcasts, and major rodeo coverage. A former rodeo competitor and longtime broadcaster, McKee brings knowledge, humor, and authenticity to the microphone while helping audiences understand the heart of the sport.
David Sharp
Announcer
David Sharp is a professional rodeo announcer based in Dalton, Georgia, known for bringing energy, clarity, and arena presence to live rodeo events. His announcing style helps guide the audience through the action, spotlight the athletes and performers, and keep the show moving with a true rodeo voice.
Audra McNicholas
Flag Presentation | Miniature Therapy Horses
Audra brings a patriotic and crowd-pleasing presentation to Rodeo 250 with her flag presentation. Her majestic black Friesian, Caballero, proudly carries the American flag! Every powerful step the Friesian takes exudes strength and elegance, a living emblem of freedom and beauty, creating a timeless scene of grace, pride, and natural splendor.
American Miniature Therapy Horses are making a special appearance at Rodeo 250, where they'll be offering heartwarming meet and greets. These gentle, pint-sized horses bring joy, comfort, and therapeutic benefits to visitors of all ages, creating unforgettable moments of connection and special memories. This team regularly visits hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and volunteers with their local sheriff's office and throughout the community.
Ginger Duke
Roman Rider | Trick Rider
Ginger Duke brings daring horsemanship that shines in the arena as she brings the Wild West back to life with trick and fancy riding. Ginger is a world champion trick rider, mustang makeover champion, and performs stunts in movies alongside her horses!
Cavin Graham
Horseback Performer | Bridleless/Liberty Horse
Cavin Graham brings a bridleless liberty-horse performance centered on trust, communication, and horsemanship. Cavin is a Mustang Magic Champion, multiple times top ten finalist in Mustang Makeovers, and a Freestyle Reining Champion. His bridleless liberty work highlights the bond between horse and performer, creating a powerful visual display that fits the Rodeo 250 story of the horse's role in American history and western culture.
Will Stites
Saddle Bronc Rider | Rodeo Athlete
Will Stites is a multiple-time PRCA First Frontier Saddle Bronc Riding Champion whose passion for rodeo and western heritage is reflected in more than just his riding. With more than a decade of competition experience, he is known not only for his success in the arena but also for educating fans and introducing new audiences to rodeo through his platform, Inside the Riggin Bag. Stites brings the excitement of saddle bronc riding to Rodeo 250, highlighting one of rodeo's most historic and respected disciplines.
Judd Napier
Pickup Man | Bullfighter | Steer Dogging Performer
Judd Napier is a multi-talented professional rodeo athlete whose background includes bullfighting, horseback work, and western performance. Originally from Hawaii, Napier has built a career in professional rodeo through grit, timing, horsemanship, and a willingness to take on some of the toughest jobs in the arena.
Gabriel Hernandez
Charro | Western Entertainer
Gabriel Hernandez is an accomplished Mexican charro and trick roper from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, carrying on a proud family tradition of horsemanship and Western performance. A talented horseman from a young age, Gabriel began riding before he could walk and has become recognized as one of the younger professional charro performers in the country. Known for his exceptional trick roping skills, traditional charro style, and rare left-handed roping ability, he has entertained audiences at rodeos, fairs, and Western heritage events throughout the United States. Riding his trusted horse El Bendi, Gabriel proudly showcases the rich traditions of Mexican charrería while helping preserve and promote the cultural legacy of the charro for new generations.
Lucas Maynard
Trick Roper | Western Entertainer
Lucas Maynard is an accomplished young trick roper known for his precision, creativity, and dedication to preserving the traditions of western performance. His polished routines showcase advanced rope skills, showmanship, and crowd engagement, making him one of the rising talents in rodeo specialty acts. Maynard brings youthful energy and authentic western flair to the Rodeo 250 arena.
Kegan Mayo
Trick Roper | Rodeo Clown | Western Entertainer
Kegan Mayo brings a fast-paced blend of comedy, crowd work, trick roping, fire, and western showmanship to the arena. Known as a Western entertainer, Mayo adds energy between the action and gives audiences a fun, family-friendly rodeo experience rooted in classic arena entertainment.
Olivia Jones
Trick Rider | Trick Roper
Olivia Jones combines the speed of trick riding with the precision of trick roping, delivering a flashy, athletic specialty act built for big crowds. Her performances showcase balance, timing, courage, and a deep connection with her horse, bringing a modern spark to the traditions of western arena entertainment.
Kate Davidson
Trick Rider
Kate Davidson brings the speed, danger, and grace of Roman riding and trick riding to the Rodeo 250 arena. Her performance celebrates the athletic skill and showmanship that helped turn western horsemanship into one of the most exciting forms of live entertainment.
Ruia Merritt
Liberty Horse Performer
Ruia Merritt represents the next generation of rodeo specialty-act talent with a liberty-horse performance built around connection, timing, and showmanship. As a young contract-act performer, she brings a fresh and inspiring presence to the arena while showcasing the powerful partnership between horse and handler.
Great American State Fair Public & Media RSVP
Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration (June 24, Washington, D.C.) — A patriotic opening ceremony launching the Great American State Fair and celebrating America's 250th birthday.
Great American State Fair (June 25–July 10, Washington, D.C.) — A world-class exposition and modern-day World's Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth.
About Cervi Rodeo Company
For more than 50 years, Cervi Rodeo Company has been one of the most respected names in professional rodeo, producing and supplying livestock for some of the largest rodeos in North America. Their award-winning stock has appeared at the National Finals Rodeo, while the company has helped preserve and promote western traditions for generations.
About Freedom 250
Freedom 250 is the national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday. Working together with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Commission, Freedom 250 serves as the official public-private partnership that connects, aligns, and amplifies national and local efforts to deliver the defining presidential moments of this anniversary year.
At its heart, Freedom 250 is creating a movement of citizens, organizations, companies, and leaders from across the country to honor our Nation's proud history, cherish our God-given freedoms, and build the Golden Age of Opportunity for the next 250 years.
For more information or to join the movement, visit Freedom250.org.
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