Springfield, NE – Rodeo, Outlets, and Chicago Dogs
We hit the road on Thursday, May 1st, heading out around 9 a.m. and making it to Springfield, Nebraska by early afternoon. The drive was smooth, and since we’d just been out that way a few weeks earlier, it felt easier the 2nd time.
No major exploring in Omaha this time, but we were staying right next to the Nebraska Crossing outlet mall, so of course we took a stroll. We grabbed some Chinese food and ate it outside in the little plaza area. The weather was perfect, and it made for a chill, fun way to kick off the weekend.
Friday was our usual slow start, hanging out at the hotel and catching up on some emails before heading over to the production meeting in the afternoon.
This rodeo was with the Barnes PRCA team, so it felt like another family meet-up just weeks after Midwest Horse Fair. We also got to work alongside Kelly Kenny again on the mic, and if you know him, you know the energy he brings is unmatched.
We met the Denning family, who puts on the event, and they were incredible to work with , super kind and welcoming. After the meeting, we headed into the hospitality building for dinner and drinks with the crew, which turned into the perfect lead-in for the night’s performance.
Before the rodeo started, we walked around the fairgrounds to capture the atmosphere.. the details, the people, the moments that make each stop feel unique.
Performance kicked off under perfect skies, and the crowd came ready. The arena had great energy and the production ran smooth, just how we like it.
After the show, Jadrian surprised us with Chicago dogs — and yes, they were exactly as good as you’d hope after a night of running around with cameras in hand.
No slack this weekend, which made for a more relaxed pace. We stayed back at the hotel Saturday morning to catch up on photos, back up photos on the ssd, and do some planning. Then we rolled into the fairgrounds later in the day, ready for round two.
Saturday night’s performance had that same electric feel, and as always, it was great seeing familiar faces and enjoying another smooth event with a great crew.
Springfield may be a small town, but this stop was full of great people and a little bit of everything we love.... rodeo, good food, and that extended family feel that always seems to follow the Barnes crew.
Already looking forward to next time.
