Montana Man Named Rodeo’s “Personality of the Year”
A Billings, Montana cowboy was recently named "Personality of the Year" by the Northern Rodeo Association (NRA).
When we heard the news, we reached out to the Wagner family to find out more about the great recognition. Bo's wife Brooke tells us that The NRA is one of the largest rodeo associations in America, and offers 26-plus regular season rodeos throughout the year.
Over half a million dollars is given in payouts to winners. Junior events are offered as well, so it gives families an opportunity to rodeo together, with dad, mom, and kids all having the chance to compete.
Bo Wagner travels the country producing major rodeos and other events. Bo produced the latest NRA finals in Kalispell, as he has for several years. This year, Bo added a concert series, bringing in Nashville recording artist Glen Templeton for a live concert and after-party.
As for the award, Brooke added:
Bo was honored with a traveling bronze statue that he will keep for a year, and his name was engraved on a plaque on the statue. Bo's parents, Dave and Barb Wagner, won the award in 1996, so he is part of a rich heritage of rodeo. The list of winners is a kind of "Who's Who" list for families and individuals who have built the Association into what it is today.
Joe Kusek wrote this about Wagner back in 2012 for the Billings Gazette:
He has parlayed his love of the Western lifestyle into a sports marketing career. His company, Vintage 5, helps put together sporting events, focusing on rodeo and bull riding. This year, Wagner has helped showcase 11 Professional Bull Riders events – two Built Ford Tough Series and nine Touring Pro Division events – in Montana, Idaho, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida and Colorado.