May 28-30, 2026

Photos courtesy of Elisabeth Kujala Photography

Valentine's Date Night and Scholarship Fundraiser

The Cherokee PRCA Rodeo, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting agriculture and supporting local youth, is now accepting applications for its Leaders in Ag Scholarship, a $10,000 annual award designed to support students pursuing careers in agriculture or a trade industry.

The Leaders in Ag Scholarship reflects the Cherokee Rodeo Committee’s commitment to giving back to the local agriculture community. One $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified applicant. The application deadline is February 10, 2026.

The scholarship is open to high school seniors, current undergraduate students, and graduate students who are planning to pursue an agriculture-related degree or trade. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student, and must have graduated from a high school or homeschool program in Cherokee, Ida, Buena Vista, O’Brien, Plymouth, or Woodbury Counties in Iowa. Applicants do not need to be rodeo athletes to qualify.

While the scholarship is not automatically renewable, recipients are encouraged to reapply and re-enter the applicant pool in future years.

Current scholarship recipient Ben Hargens shared the impact of the award, stating:

“In no way is it hyperbolic to say, being the recipient of this scholarship has truly been a once in a lifetime experience. Typically, it’s not uncommon to try to conform to the requirements of a scholarship. This scholarship on the other hand, was one I truly felt was searching for individuals like myself…those that have been involved in and are proud not only of their background in agriculture, but also of advocating for it going forward. This scholarship is unique in many ways, not the least of which is its emphasis on and encouragement of the importance of young people returning to agriculture and pursuing its advancement as part of their future. It is no secret that expenses related to post-secondary education are ever-increasing; whether it be undergraduate, graduate, or professional school. That being said, I believe the ability of this scholarship to stand out above the rest is important to help attract the best of those possible future leaders in agriculture and in local communities to apply. In summary, this scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for a student to support their education, get to know a group of incredibly-welcoming people, and have some fun along the way!”

To support the scholarship and other youth-focused initiatives, the Cherokee PRCA Rodeo will host its 3rd Annual Fundraising Event on February 14, 2026, at the Little Sioux Event Center in Cherokee. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the organization’s website.

The evening will feature a prime rib dinner, silent auction, raffles, a rodeo watch party, and dueling pianos as the main entertainment. Attendees can also enjoy a whiskey, wine, and flower wall, making it the perfect Valentine’s weekend outing that supports a great cause.

Get your tickets today- advanced ticket sales only! Ticket sales will close February 11!