VALENTINE, Neb. - Parades and carnivals often close down Main Street, but in Valentine, bulls will that take center stage. On Feb. 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Heart City Bull Bash will once again bring cattle into town, showcasing more than 60 bulls in pens on Main Street.

The event, a long-standing tradition, gives ranchers an up-close look at quality seedstock while offering a unique experience for visitors. Among those preparing for the event are Phil, Landon, and Luke Miller of Miller Angus near Cody, Nebraska. They’ve been sorting through their herd, selecting the best bulls to bring.

“It’s kind of a crazy thing, but it’s super unique and cool,” said Landon Miller.

Heart City Bull Bash Chairman Shane Keller says the event is more than just about bulls. In addition to cattle on display, attendees can expect to see a stallion, a few pens of horses, and a variety of activities.

“We’re going to have a lot of colleges, FFA kids, and 4-H kids for a livestock judging competition the day before,” Keller said.

The Bull Bash also features community events, including wine tasting, a vendor and craft show, and the 4-H Luck of the Draw. For younger attendees, there will be dummy roping and barrel racing.

“There are people who come who don’t have cattle, and they seem to enjoy it as well,” said Miller.

The event highlights Nebraska’s top industry—agriculture.

“Cherry County, I think, is the number one county for beef cattle in the world,” said Miller.

For one day, at least, the cattle will trade pastures for pavement, proving that in Cherry County, you never know when you’ll see livestock—maybe even on Main Street.

Here are some of the events:

Running with the Bulls 5K Run/Walk: Registration Jan. 15 at 10:15 a.m. at Comfort Inn with the event starting at 11:00 a.m., for all ages and abilities

Dummy roping and stick horse barrel racing: Ages 3-14 in front of Young's Western Wear

Bull Bash gun raffle: Ruger M77 Hawkeye 22" threaded barrel, stainless steel/walnut, 3 round floor plate mag, 1:8" twist, 5/8-24 pic rail, 6.5 PRC, $5.00 per ticket or five tickets for $20.00, Winner must procure a gun license, Proceeds go to Valentine and Cody FFA Chapters

Bar None custom made pure beaver hat giveaway: Visit with a bull exhibitor and have your name entered in the drawing

4-H Luck of the Draw: Extension Office, Tickets sold 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Winners announced at 4:30 p.m.

Wine tasting: Sandhills State Bank featuring Nebraska wines from 2:00-4:00 p.m.