DES MOINES, IA  The 2015 National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) returns to Des Moines June 21-27 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The championships will bring an estimated 35,000 attendees and 1,100 junior high contestants. This is the second consecutive year Des Moines will host NJHFR, which generated $9.3 million in economic impact in 2014.

Contestants, all under the age of 15, represent 42 states, 5 Canadian provinces and Australia. More than 20 Iowans will compete for scholarships and prizes by participating in events like bull riding, goat tying and chute dogging.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome back the National Junior High Finals Rodeo," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "Not only does this event provide families from across the world the opportunity to experience Greater Des Moines, but it also has a major economic impact on our community and gives locals a unique and exciting event to come watch."

Des Moines is only the second city to host NJHFR since its inception in 2005. It is the second largest youth rodeo in the United States and requires more than 6 million pounds of dirt and more than 200 volunteers to put on all 13 performances. Performances occur daily at the following times:

      • June 21: 7 p.m.
      • June 22-27: 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.

A free, public trade show will also be held at the 4-H Building daily, June 20-27.

Media Credentialing
Prior to the event, media are encouraged to request credentials for on-site coverage of the championships. Requests can be made by contacting Austin White, at (919) 740-8505 or arwhite@nhsra.org. Media credentials will be available for pick-up onsite at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to catchdesmoines.com/rodeo.