Mandan Rodeo Days kick off next week with some new wrinkles expected to add to the excitement.

"We plan to continue the quality of excellence and have top-notch performers," said Ellen Huber, publicity chairwoman for the Mandan Rodeo Days.

Activities begin Thursday and run through Saturday. This year is the rodeo's 130th anniversary.

The events offer something for everyone, Huber said. "It's a tradition. People won't feel like it's the Fourth unless they celebrate it with the Mandan Rodeo Days."

This year will be the largest Art in the Park yet. There will be 147 vendors and at least 30 food booths.

Supporters expect the rodeo to grow this year. Contestants will be competing for $46,000 in total prizes this year. This amount attracts top competitors from all over.

The Friday rodeo will be Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night. Raffle tickets will be sold at $10 each for prizes of diamond earrings and a special edition Wrangler rifle.

"The money raised will go to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. This is the fourth year we have done this," said Del Wetsch, the executive director of the Progress Organization in Mandan.

Participants are encouraged to wear pink attire. The drawings for the prizes will be during the Saturday rodeo performance.

"There will also be a $1,000 giveaway for the night of the third," Wetsch said.

Tickets for the rodeo are available now or can be purchased at the gate. Children 6 and younger get in for free.

This year's parade theme is "Riding Along the Old Red Trail." The name of the parade has been changed to the Mandan Independence Parade and Street Festival.

The parade is billed as the longest one in North Dakota. This year, former Gov. Art Link and his wife Grace are the grand marshals.

Events to entertain spectators before the parade starts are planned. This year, a street festival will start one hour before the parade. There will be 10 stages for musical performances set up along Main Street. Stunt acts and dancers also will be along the parade route before the parade starts.

The parade will start at 9:30 a.m at Dacotah Centennial Park. From there it will lead to the "Strip," Main Street and then Mandan Depot.

The Mandan police say parking will not be allowed on Main Street from 1 a.m until the parade finishes Saturday afternoon. Main Street traffic will be sent on detour routes after 8 a.m. Saturday. It is suggested to use the Mandan Avenue and Sunset Drive exits, because typically the Main Avenue exit is full of traffic.

The Mandan Rodeo Days have been going on for as long as it has been a town. It is a tradition supporters say will continue for years to come.

"It is a cultural opportunity to feel like a hometown celebration," Huber said.