our story...
The Lone Oak Rodeo began as a shared dream between three families — the Hartwigs, the Haldersons, and the McNutts — each bringing their own spark to what would become a true community rodeo.
The story really took shape when Nick and Jen Hartwig were swept into the rodeo world after their daughter climbed on her first bull at the Waconia rodeo. Her excitement — and the Hartwigs’ instant love for the sport — inspired the idea of creating something local and lasting for young riders and the community. Around that same time, Roger and Emily Haldersons felt their own rodeo spark when their youngest son rode a steer across their pasture, adding momentum to the effort. Kelsi and John McNutt also played a key role behind the scenes, with Kelsi’s marketing and design work and John’s legal guidance helping shape Lone Oak Rodeo’s foundation.
Today, the Hartwig family continues to carry that dream forward. Nick and Jen lead Lone Oak Rodeo with the same passion that first drew them in — committed to growing the event, supporting young riders, and keeping the rodeo spirit alive in our community. What began as a spark has grown into a tradition, and the Hartwigs are proud to guide Lone Oak Rodeo into its next chapter.
The story really took shape when Nick and Jen Hartwig were swept into the rodeo world after their daughter climbed on her first bull at the Waconia rodeo. Her excitement — and the Hartwigs’ instant love for the sport — inspired the idea of creating something local and lasting for young riders and the community. Around that same time, Roger and Emily Haldersons felt their own rodeo spark when their youngest son rode a steer across their pasture, adding momentum to the effort. Kelsi and John McNutt also played a key role behind the scenes, with Kelsi’s marketing and design work and John’s legal guidance helping shape Lone Oak Rodeo’s foundation.
Today, the Hartwig family continues to carry that dream forward. Nick and Jen lead Lone Oak Rodeo with the same passion that first drew them in — committed to growing the event, supporting young riders, and keeping the rodeo spirit alive in our community. What began as a spark has grown into a tradition, and the Hartwigs are proud to guide Lone Oak Rodeo into its next chapter.
THE HARTWIGS
As a family that’s always chasing... be it bucks, barrels, or bales - rodeo just fits. Since our daughter’s first bull ride at Waconia Rodeo, another chase was on across 3 states looking for 8 seconds. Along the way we have come across so many great people chasing that same dream. People that all love what rodeo encompasses: faith, family, and fun. With that, we made the decision to build a rodeo arena at our farm in Central Minnesota. We'd like to welcome you to come and witness the blood, sweat and tears of rough stock rodeo athletes as they chase their dream of an 8 second ride.