The PRCA Buffalo Bill Rodeo kicks off action tonight at the Wild West Arena as the first signature event of Nebraskaland Days. Three hundred and eighty-five cowboys and cowgirls descend upon North Platte, among them plenty of local favorites, national finals contenders, and former world champions. Fifty-seven competitors from the state of Nebraska are entered in the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, including reigning world champion steer wrestler Dean Gorsuch from Gering, who won the event at this rodeo last year. Mullen’s Steven Dent, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier will compete in bareback and saddle bronc riding, and Dru Melvin from Tryon will compete in steer wrestling. Competition will start the next two mornings with slack, and the big shows get under way the next four nights at 8 PM with gates open at 5:30.