Photos: World's Championship Hamel Rodeo 2012

The 2012 World Championship Hamel Rodeo kicked off Thursday and will end today with some family fun for everyone.

According to its website, the Hamel Rodeo is the largest rodeo in Minnesota "on the basis of both total added money and total pay off. This year the contestants will take home approximately $120,000 to show for their efforts. The winner in the Bull Ridin' Bonanza will receive approximately $7,500. This is why many of the top name contestants will always be found at the Hamel Rodeo."

The Rodeo includes bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel racing and a bull riding bonanza. Events featured the Wild Thang Tim Lepard and the Ghost Riders cowboy monkeys.

Thousands come from across the region to enjoy all the action and see some of the best in rodeo.

Check out the event schedule here and find out more about the rodeo here.

Have pictures and/or video to share from the rodeo? Upload them to Patch!

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