Monthly Archives: June 2023

Award-winning rodeo clown will be back to entertain the fans in Gooding   GOODING, Idaho – At most rodeos he works, John Harrison has a way of impacting many people who pay to see a good event. He’s an entertainer, and a darned good one. Harrison is one of the most sought-after rodeo clowns in the business. His antics and his acts have a way of cheering souls and softening the most brittle of hearts, but the folks in Gooding repaid him in ways he’ll never forget. “That rodeo is truly one of the most fun rodeos that there is in the country,” said Harrison, who worked in Gooding two years ago and is eager to return. “I am pumped. There are two or thee crowds in the nation that are truly electric, and Gooding is definitely one of them.” He will return to the Gooding Pro Rodeo, set for Thursday, Aug. 17-Saturday, Aug. 19, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 16. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. It’s where he will showcase the talents that have afforded him some high praise. A season ago, Harrison was recognized as the PRCA Comedy Act of the Year for the second time, the Coors Man in the Can for a fifth time and the PRCA Clown/Barrelman of the Year for the first time. It was the first time in 11 years that anyone had earned all three clowning honors. “We’d hired John to come back to Gooding before all that happened, because he was such a hit for our fans when he was here the last time,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “People have been talking about John, so it’s exciting to know he’s coming back. “He’s a good fit for our fan base. He is talented and funny, but the big thing is the amount of energy he brings. Our crowd is full of energy, so when you have someone who can match that, you want to take advantage of it.” The Gooding Pro Rodeo is best known for its “Beer Worthy” section, which offers an adult beverage to cowboys and cowgirls whose performances warrant such a prize; that could be a fast time, a big score or even a wreck. It’s the most identifiable piece of the rodeo’s lore, but it’s an extension of an already rowdy crowd that packs into the stadium. “The ‘Beer Worthy’ section itself stands out,” said Harrison, a husband and father of four from Soper, Oklahoma. “It’s the only rodeo that has it, and they are true fans. They recognize a good ride, and they say whether or not it’s beer worthy. I get to watching, too, because it’s unique and a lot of fun. His work is also a reflection of the team atmosphere that encompasses each of the four nights of rodeo produced. Harrison will work with announcer Steve Kenyon, known for his work on The Cowboy Channel; the rodeo’s volunteers and staff; and Jill Loden, a three-time PRCA Sound Director of the Year. “Jill will rock them with the music, adding her own high energy to it,” Harrison said. “She has the music up, and the people are into it. The crowd is also right up on you, and I love it. They are into the energy of the rodeo itself.” That helps those involved in the rodeo even more. Cowboys and cowgirls seem to compete harder when the crowd is into it like the folks are in Gooding. The same happens for the entertainers. Of course, it helps that Harrison has a brilliant personality that so many appreciate. “John is one of the best human beings in the whole world,” said Haley Proctor, a trick rider and specialty act who also will perform in Gooding this year. “I’ve known John since I was little, and he’s been nothing but supportive; he’s everyone’s biggest fan, and he’s there to give advice if you need it. “John can get a crowd louder and wilder; he is an incredible entertainer.” Harrison travels the country entertaining rodeo crowds. It’s more than a job, though. It’s the thrill of excitement. He has been an entertainer most of his life. He began as a trick rider and specialty act, then transitioned to wearing greasepaint and manning a barrel as a means to continue working in an industry he loves. His grandfather, Freckles Brown, was the 1962 world champion bull rider who has been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Harrison’s athleticism and comedic talents are on full display every time he enters an arena. Having the opportunity to play before crowds like they get in Gooding is just the perfect topping to an already delightful cake. “If they’re having fun, you’re having fun,” Harrison said. “You feed off what they do. With this rodeo, you’re going to go 100 mph for two hours and do anything you can to entertain them.”

DODGE CITY, Kan. – There’s a great deal about Robbie Hodges’ job as a rodeo clown that he adores, but there’s one thing that stands out. “I just love being in that barrel and being a guy the bull riders can count on,” Hodges said, referring to his primary position as barrelman and an island of protection for cowboys during bull riding. “To me, not focusing on the barrel is a disservice to all the other generations that worked the barrel so well. If I could back up time, I would have loved to work with Ted Kimzey or one of those other guys.” He’ll have his chance to showcase not only his life-preserving skills in a custom-made aluminum barrel, but he will also display his down-home, comedic talents during Dodge City Roundup Rodeo, set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6, at Roundup Arena; Dodge City Xtreme Bulls is set for 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1. It will be his first time working Roundup Rodeo, an event that was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2012. It’s the largest event of its kind in Kansas, and it celebrates the community’s Western heritage while also showcasing how the sport is played in today’s society. “First of all, you’ve got the stock contractor of the year with Frontier Rodeo, and you’ve got an announcer the caliber of Boyd Polhamus,” said Hodges, an 18-time nominee for various end-of-the-year awards like Clown of the Year, Comedy Act of the Year and the Coors Man in the Can. “It’s ridiculous that a rodeo that’s only been going since 1977 is so well know and has the same status for rodeos that are twice as old. “You’re not a rodeo guy if you haven’t been to Dodge City.” Hodges is definitely a rodeo guy. It’s what took him from being a passive child to someone who stands out in a crowd. It’s a reflection of how he came to be “Rockin’ ” Robbie Hodges, a comedian, a battle-tested barrelman, a musician and a doting father. “I’d say my comedy is non-traditional,” he said. “Me being a non-traditional rodeo clown, I wear a jersey and shorts instead of baggies. My No. 1 deal is working that barrel, which has got me everything in this business. I would rather have the respect of my friends or my peers than anything.” He has that, and he’ll be on center stage at Roundup Arena. Even in his 50s, Hodges is agile and can move in a barrel better than some folks his age move without one. He not only positions himself in the arena during bull riding, but he will throw himself and his barrel into the fray of a wreck in order to save the bull riders and bullfighters if the situation arises. It comes from a variety of ways, but a big part of what makes Hodges so good is his understanding of the rodeo production process. He began as a competitor, riding bareback horses for a living. Ever the entertainer, he easily made that transition to the other side of the rodeo spectrum. All that history helps him do a better job. He’s been recognized for it. In addition to his nominations, he was selected to be the barrelman at the National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s championship. “Doing the NFR was amazing and the greatest achievement of a picked-on kid from Georgia,” Hodges said. “That was back when the bull riders voted for the barrelman like they do the bullfighters, so that made it pretty special.” It’s an honor to work ProRodeo’s grand finale, whether it’s by a vote of the contestants or being hired by the organizers. In Dodge City, Hodges was hired by the volunteer committee that produces Roundup Rodeo. “Robbie’s been around, and we thought he’d be a good fit for Roundup,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, president of the Roundup committee. “We love bringing fresh faces to our rodeo, because they add a lot of their own personalities to what we do every year, and that’s what we expect with Robbie.” Hodges has a distinct personality, and it’s worked in his favor. He’s a renowned rodeo clown, has been involved with NASCAR and loves to play music, even recording some of his work for all to enjoy. Through each piece in the puzzle that makes up his life, he has always leaned on rodeo. “Rodeo got me out of being a bullied kid,” Hodges said. “From the third to the eighth grade, I was bullied, then I started riding broncs, and that got me out of that. I have a well-rounded life from what I’ve gotten to enjoy. I’ve been able to do so much, and it’s all because of rodeo.”

  GUNNISON, Colo. – The lights flicker, the music roars and the smell of goodies fills the air. During Cattlemen’s Days the second full week of July, the carnival attracts hundreds of youngsters – and former youngsters – who enjoy the rides and the cotton candy and funnel cakes that come to town with Colorado-based Wright’s Amusements. The height of the Ferris wheel and the whirl of the spinning machines make for a song that attracts throngs of people to the fun and frivolity that comes with the showcase. There’s a buzz and a feeling of euphoria that comes with it as people stand in lines to get on their favorite rides. “When you walk through the carnival and you see the kids and how much fun they’re having and how much they enjoy the carnival, it just makes you realize you’ve got something special for the community,” said Bill Knowles, a 14-year volunteer with the Cattlemen’s Days committee who has been around the celebration all his life. “That translates to everyone. You get to see a 5-year-old kid that is riding his first Shetland pony horse ride and is absolutely beside himself with big smiles.” Grins and smiles and laughter are commonplace. This is an area made for enjoyment. Hills and valleys and twists accompany the celebration, which this year will be moved a little bit north of the Fred Field Western Center to a block that is surrounded by Virginia Avenue on the south, Georgia Avenue on the north, 14th on the west and Spruce on the east. “The county is building affordable housing where the carnival used to be, so that site is no longer available,” Knowles said. “The Catholic Church owns a city block a few blocks north of the rodeo grounds, and they’re good to let us have the carnival there this year. We don’t know what’s going to happen down the road, but we’re trying to find a permanent spot for the carnival to go.” The good news about the transition is that the carnival is completely mobile. The rides and concessions trailers are driven into town, so they can be set up just about anywhere. Wright’s Amusements has everything self-contained, from 14 multi-family trailers for their employees to the generators to make the carnival run. Much like the rodeo, which will feature hundreds of contestants shuffling in and out throughout the competition, the carnival and its staff are much like the gypsies of old. They’ll arrive in Gunnison on Sunday, July 9, and will open the rides on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 12. The rides will run until the crowd thins down, typically near 11 p.m. Everything shuts down after all the excitement dwindles Saturday, July 15. From start to finish, though, the purpose of the carnival is to bring fun to town and help as many people thoroughly enjoy the community celebration. It’s an extension of the rodeo, the livestock shows, the other exhibits and the junior livestock auction. It’s a piece of Gunnison and a chance for families to share special times together. The Cattlemen’s Days carnival is a place of joy they will remember for a lifetime.

  GUNNISON, Colo. – For 123 years, Cattlemen’s Days is more than a community get-together, more than a county fair. It’s a celebration and a homecoming, a chance for folks who were raised in this neck of the woods to reunite with family and friends. It’s a chance for neighbors to reconnect, an opportunity for visitors to feel at home. From the rodeo to the carnival to the exhibits and shows, there’s a great deal to experience during this special time of year. Les Mergelman understood that. He grew up near Gunnison and was actively involved in many things in the community. After graduating from Colorado State University, he served as an extension agent before getting into banking, and he always found a way to serve his hometown. Many remember him as the voice of the Cattlemen’s Day parade. He will be honored during this year’s cavalcade, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15. “He got his agriculture background here, working on a ranch,” said Cara Faulds, Mergelman’s sister. “He just announced the parade here, but he also announced a lot of Little Britches rodeos, amateur rodeos and did a lot of livestock shows at the Delta, Hotchkiss and Olathe areas.”     Whatever he did, Mergelman made an impact. Born Feb. 8, 1946, in Gunnison, Leslie “Les” Owen Mergelman died May 12, 2023, at age 77. He spent most of his life in Colorado, working in Canon City, Buena Vista, Fleming, Steamboat Springs and Gunnison before spending 37 years in Cedaredge, the hometown of his wife, Dorothy. Each year, though, he returned home to be the voice of the Cattlemen’s Days parade and to share his passion for this community. As a youngster, he was active in FFA and 4H. As an adult, he served on the Delta County Fair Board and served as chairman of the Colorado State Fair Commission. He was a lifetime member of the National FFA Alumni Association and was known to donate to FFA chapters. “The things that made him special to me was his history and the love for people that he had,” Faulds said. “He loved the kids. He would do anything for a youth activity, be it sports, 4H or FFA. Both of his kids were state FFA officers. “He did a lot of things to support others, and he was very social. He was a special person.” He was a symbol of Cattlemen’s Days, a reflection of the times people share together. Whether it’s at the rodeo or gathering at the horse show or lining the streets for the parade, it’s a complete community celebration. Another glance back will be the parade marshals, Joe Dixon and Dave and LaDonna McClain “I think it’s one time a year that the community gets together, and it’s a big celebration,” Faulds said. “When I was a kid, Cattlemen’s Days was the time when people came off the ranches and had one big celebration before haying season. It was a thing for everybody to get together and socialize. “The parade was a big part of that, and Les was a big part of the parade for a lot of us. My dad announced the parade before Les did. Les was kind of a duplicate of my dad, as far as announcing and being a firm supporter of youth. Les was just really big on the community and for the kids.”

Estes Park’s rodeo repays community support by giving to local non-profits ESTES PARK, Colo. – Over the years, there have been certain constants that are associated with Rooftop Rodeo. One primary fact is the community is the biggest supporter of Estes Park’s annual showcase, and it shows through the excitement that boils across town during rodeo week and in the abundance of local sponsors that provide financial backing for the rodeo. Because of that, it’s become imperative for Rooftop Rodeo and the Town of Estes Park to give back to the community, and they do that through their support of non-profits. “Rooftop Rodeo, like so many other rodeos across the country, has multiple goals – preserving our Western heritage and supporting our community,” said Cindy Schonholtz, the coordinator of Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. “We support the community in a number of ways, including partnering with many local non-profits. Rodeo fans are generous and help us by donating to the many non-profits we partner with each year. It is just the right thing to do and is ingrained in our culture to help others.” Each non-profit has its own needs, and the finances raised at Rooftop Rodeo help fill them. This year the rodeo will support the Family Resource Center, Special Olympics for Colorado, Crisis Advocates, Estes Park Health Foundation, American Legion Circle 119, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and local scholarships provided through the Estes Park Western Heritage Foundation. “Our foundation has four responsibilities: scholarship, support of the Ace High Roughstock Academy, support of historical research and to represent Rooftop Rodeo at a national level,” said Mark Purdy, the foundation’s chairman. “We always give away two $2,500 scholarships each year; our hope is to double that next year.” The funds for that come through sales in the Saloon, which is on the fairgrounds and open each night of the rodeo. The money for Estes Park Health Foundation will be raised through Crowns for the Cure and the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo pageant and will be bolstered by the Paint Estes Park Pink Night during the Saturday, July 8, performance of the rodeo. Contestants for Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo are raising money for a new DEXA scanner for the hospital, and there will be a booth and other opportunities to give. “Rooftop Rodeo is a signature event for the Town of Estes Park,” Schonholtz said. “The economic impact it brings to the community by filling hotels and restaurants is vital to sustaining our tourist-based economy. Estes Park’s heritage is so important. It is easy to lose our great Western heritage, and Rooftop Rodeo is a good reminder each year of the importance of our traditions.” The American Legion Circle 119 will be on hand with a booth to raise money and awareness on Military Night, Sunday, July 9. Tips earned at the Saloon will go to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which administers financial assistance to rodeo cowboys that have a financial need primarily because of injury. When cowboys are injured, they are not able to compete for the prize money, and the fund helps them make ends meet until they are able to return to action. “Rooftop Rodeo believes it is important to not only show our contestants hospitality while they are in Estes Park, but it is also important to support those who are injured while competing in rodeo events,” Schonholtz said. “The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund has been a game-changer for rodeo athletes. Before it was created by Justin Boots, cowboys would often enter very hard times when they were injured and not be able to return to the sport or, worse, they would return too soon and risk a more severe injury. “We are thrilled to play a small part in this initiative that has helped so many in our rodeo family through the years.” ROOFTOP RODEO NIGHTLY GIVINGEach non-profit will have a booth on the midway, and the rodeo will be raising money for them during the performance on their respective nights. Wednesday: Estes Valley Crisis AdvocatesThursday: Special OlympicFriday: EVICS Family Resource CenterSaturday, pink night: Estes Park Hospital FoundationSunday: American Legion Post 119Monday: Flinch Forward Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

  Cowboys, cowgirls always look forward to competition, visiting Estes Park ESTES PARK, Colo. – Many American families will travel halfway across the country just to vacation in this majestic community.   For rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Estes Park is just a beautiful stop along their winding path to make a living and chase their dreams at Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. Some come early or stay a day or so late in order to take in all that the town has to offer. From golf to boating to dining and shopping, touring one of the most famous haunted hotels or parading through the Rocky Mountain National Park, there are so many ways to find joy and enjoy the cool mountain air in this scenic destination. “Last year we had three or four days where we didn’t have anywhere to be,” said steer wrestler Shane Frey of Duncan, Oklahoma. “I decided I’m going to make a mini-vacation out of it. We’ve done a lot of stuff. One year we rented an ATV and went into the mountains. Last year we rented a cabin and stayed for a few days. We’ve also rented boat and went out on the lake.” The cowboys in his rig were also competing at the rodeo, which features six straight days of action. He’s earned money in Estes Park before, and he knows there’s a good chance he can do so again. “It comes along right after the Fourth (of July),” he said, noting the busy time of the schedule where contestants may compete at multiple rodeos in a day while traveling hundreds of miles in a stretch just to get from one locale to another. “We’re all pretty tired, and to get to Estes Park for a couple of days gives us a chance to unwind. “It’s a beautiful town with a lot to do. It’s a good place to just relax and wind down after the busy Fourth run.” There are hundreds of other contestants who feel the same way. Not only are they competing for a large purse, they also will do so in an arena that is surrounded by the picturesque Rockies. They will do it in a town that’s built for tourists. They will see sights and drive go-karts and do all the other things vacationers do. They’re just a little more adept at being on the road. Cowboys and cowgirls travel tens of thousands of miles, going from one rodeo to the next. They crisscross interstates and U.S. highways and peel off on roads only locals know about. It’s a gypsy lifestyle, one that’s engrained through passion and built on the race for rodeo gold, the elusive world championships awarded each year. Hundreds will make their way to Rooftop Rodeo in doing so. “I love Estes Park,” said saddle bronc rider Cort Scheer, a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Elsmere, Nebraska. “It is one of the prettiest places in the world. The committee bends over backwards for you, too. It’s great.” The rodeo is a town event, but dozens of volunteers step up to help handle many of the duties that take place during rodeo week. Like the contestants, the Rooftop Rodeo volunteer team has a passion for the sport and for Rooftop Rodeo. They are host to thousands of fans who come to the rodeo each night. “This is one of my favorite rodeos to enter,” said bareback rider Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas. “The rodeo adds more money every year, and the hospitality is always great. The atmosphere is great. This is one of my favorite rodeos in all the pro circuit.” That’s saying a lot. A typical year sees more than 700 ProRodeos across North America, all varying in size. The smallest are rodeos that feature lesser purses, then there are medium size rodeos like Estes Park. Winners will pocket, on average, around $5,000. The winners in Houston each cleared more than $50,000. Each event has its own flavor. Pendleton, Oregon, is known for its football field that is encircled by a horse track, and Rooftop Rodeo is smack dab in the middle of mountain beauty with a photogenic lake across the way. “That rodeo is a good setup,” Frey said. “The arena’s good, and there are usually good cattle. That committee is good, and they set it up to make it good for the guys to get in and get out. “I really like that rodeo, partly because of where it’s at and partly because that committee does a really good job.” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

  Young family acquires 100 percent of Championship Pro Rodeo LEEDEY, Okla. – Rodeo is a peculiar sport, one that was bred by a multitude of proud folks who were excited to show their talents. Born through ranching and raising livestock in the American West, rodeo was founded on the skills used virtually every day on cattle operations. It took talented cowboys to corral and sometimes tame the beasts that roamed the grasslands and prairies. More than anything, rodeo is a lifestyle that envelops passion and a drive to excel. It’s how Will and Dusta O’Connell have lived their lives. It’s how they met and how they began developing a family, and it’s what guided them into the path they’re now on as owners of Championship Pro Rodeo. “My love for rodeo runs deeper than all the other things I’ve done,” said Will O’Connell, a cowboy raised by a rodeo family in Zwingle, Iowa, who now lives on a ranch in western Oklahoma with his bride and their infant son, Jasper. “Day-in-and-day-out care and love for livestock is what I like more than just about anything – getting to know each animal and their individual characteristics. “Being around them each day is what drives me.” His direction to this life has all been a bit of an interesting tale. He began working with Championship Pro Rodeo several years ago, then moved into a partnership as a co-owner with Jimmy Roth. A few weeks ago, the O’Connells acquired the remainder of the ownership stake from Roth and are building their stock production company while raising a family. “Jasper has brought a new element into our lives,” said Dusta O’Connell, the oldest of three children born to renowned rodeo clown Ted Kimzey and Jennifer Spencer. “It’s more work with a baby, no doubt, but it’s also how we grew up. I attended my first National Finals Rodeo when I was 2 weeks old. Will’s dad, Ray, was a pickup man, so this is nothing new to us. “I wouldn’t know any other way. Jasper is going to learn what it means to work hard and to work for your money.” Will O’Connell grew up in the saddle alongside his father while he either played around rodeo arenas or helped with the chores. He began as a contestant, then got into the labor side of things, working with a variety of livestock producers and learning about the business of rodeo. “I rode bulls, rode broncs, picked up and fought bulls all in the PRCA,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a pickup man, a bullfighter or a contestant, there is a point in your life when what your doing in rodeo is no longer a possibility. Being a stock contractor is a way for me to never have to leave the sport. “I will always be able to stay involved and show the love I have for animals.” As the daughter of an entertainer, Dusta O’Connell and her two younger brothers were part of their father’s entourage and eventually followed in his footsteps as entertainers and trick riders. Big sister still does it with Tricked Out Trickriding. In addition, she also is still a competitor; rodeo has a strong hold on her heart. “I’ve been a barrel racer for years and roped all through college,” she said. “There’s something about how the adrenaline hits differently when you’re competing. “I have a more unique perspective; I’m still actively competing. I want the ground to be good and want everything to be as fair as we can possibly get it. I still really enjoy getting to compete.” The contest is a big part of the sport, and the O’Connells know that as well as anyone. Between their own years in the competition ring, their little brothers own 19 NFR qualifications, 10 Montana Silversmiths gold buckles and six NFR average championships. Tim O’Connell is the eldest at age 31, just four years younger than his only sibling, and has nine trips to the finale in bareback riding, three world titles and three NFR average crowns. Next in line is Sage Kimzey, who, at age 28, is an eight-time qualifier in bull riding with three average titles and seven world championships. The baby of the group is Trey Kimzey, a two-time bull riding qualifier at age 24. “With them, it’s even better for our production business,” Dusta O’Connell said. “Sage, Tim and Trey are all students of the game, and they study it inside and out. Not only do they study their riding, but they are also studying the animals. They are invaluable resources, whether we’re buying or selling or just taking care of our animals. “We always consult our brothers. Nobody knows more of those bulls in the industry than the Kimzey boys, and Tim studies those horses like nobody else. They don’t see our animals through rose-colored glasses like we do, so we get unbiased opinions about things, and that helps us make the best decisions.” When it comes to Championship Pro Rodeo, the O’Connells seem to be doing all the right things. Last year, they had 13 animals selected to perform at the NFR, and that number may keep growing. It’s about paying attention to detail  while trying to build a dominating livestock production firm. “A lot of people don’t, but I pack my own grain everywhere we go,” Will O’Connell said. “I want our animals eating the right things to make them perform at their best every time we buck them. My main objective is to take care of them.”   It shows in how those animals perform. Whether it’s watching saddle bronc Heaven on Earth win the fourth round of the 2022 NFR with eventual world champion Zeke Thurston or watching bareback horse Meat Cracker get the better of his brother in San Angelo, Texas, there’s pride in everything Will and Dusta O’Connell do and pride in the animals under their care.   “More than anything, the reason we got  Continue Reading »

  GUNNISON, Colo. – Eighteen years have passed since Hurricane Katrina wrecked theGulf Coast, killing nearly 1,400 people and costing $100 billion in damages. Countless animals perished; hundreds were badly injured. Some livestock stood in floodwaters for days and suffered damage from that. Jerry Thornton learned about one of those, rescued the young stallion and took it to his Tennessee home. A lifelong horse trainer, he took that colt in and more than made a home for the smallish, black stud. He worked with the horse like he’s done so many others and found there was something special in the animal’s mind. He will show that off during the three performances of the Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. “I don’t normally rescue animals,” said Thornton, 74. “I tried to help the people with him, and he turned out to be a star. He’s very unusual. His age and breed are unknown. Since training him, I have performed all over the country with him, done music videos, been in TV commercials and have performed at horse shows and competitions. “If there’s anything horse-related, we try to be there.” Thornton is also a specialty act, and since the early 1980s, he has performed at rodeos across North America. This will be his first time at Cattlemen’s Days, and he’s excited to show how well Bojangles excels when they are in front of a crowd. “I have different breeds of horses and have trained horses to do different things,” Thornton said. “This horse has a unique personality. He’s a smaller horse, probably 14.1 hands tall. Nobody knew where he came from. “He was like a yearling when I got him. He had stood in water for three weeks, and because he was taller than most of them, there were animals that had lived on his back to stay out of the water. Nobody would claim him after the hurricane.” Thornton and Bojangles will perform a liberty act, where the animal is directed to follow commands and showcase the relationship between horse and trainer without the trainer being on the horse or holding the reins. Fans will see the communication it takes for trainer and horse to work together. “When I come to Gunnison, the kids, especially, will love him,” he said. “Everybody wants their picture taken with him. “What drives me is the idea of getting these unique horses to perform and do different stunts. I’ve been doing this since I was 16 years old, and this is something I still really enjoy.” Over the years, Thornton has shown many incredible horses. He was part of the Command Performance Rodeo that was produced in 1982 for President Ronald Reagan, and he has seen a great deal of the United States while showing many others his training prowess. “I think it’s important to keep the Western tradition alive, as far as costuming and showing these horses,” Thornton said. “This is our Western heritage.”

  ALVA, Okla. – Denton Oestmann and Kaden Greenfield feel a bit of a sting, a bit of a loss. Their final days as intercollegiate athletes came to an end without the fanfare both had envisioned at their last College National Finals Rodeo. By the time the national champions were celebrated Saturday night, both Northwestern Oklahoma State University cowboys had turned their attention to the next phase of their rodeo careers. “Obviously, I would have wanted it to go quite a bit different,” said Oestmann, a recent Northwestern graduate from Auburn, Nebraska. “I made a good run on my third calf; it’s not going out with a bang, but it ended a lot better than it started.” He roped and tied his final intercollegiate calf in 8.4 seconds to finish third in the third go-round at the Casper Events Center. That gave him the spark of momentum he will need as he sets out to compete at the professional level, testing his skills against the greatest cowboys in rodeo from time to time. “There are a lot of lasts: the last time I’ll ever be considered a college kid or wear a vest while roping; my last college finals,” Oestmann said. “I didn’t have any good luck on my first two runs, but I can’t stay down dwelling on it. I was mad about it, but by the time I got back to the trailer and unsaddled, I was OK. You can’t let the bad stuff cloud the future. You just have to move on.” That’s a common theme. For Greenfield, a second-generation steer wrestler from Lakeview, Oregon, his focus is intently on professional rodeo. He placed fourth in the second round in Casper, but the other two rounds are ones to forget. “I don’t think I’ll rate this college finals very high,” he said. “It’s hard. It’s definitely not the week I wanted, but now it’s time to get ready for the summer.” He’s already deep into it. Traveling with Northwestern rodeo coach Stockton Graves and fellow Rangers bulldogger Trisyn Kalawaia, he started his new week in Colorado preparing for a big run of ProRodeos. He’ll have miles in between runs to think about the last few years of college life, a four-year run that he’ll likely never forget. He began at Blue Mountain Community College in his home state of Oregon, then transferred after two years to Alva. He made the college finals all three years that there was one for him – the 2020 championship was canceled because of COVID. “It was a great four years,” said Greenfield, the son of seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Shawn Greenfield. “Moving to Alva helped me as a bulldogger so much. I feel like I really grew as a bulldogger.” He also grew as a young man, which is a valuable tool for student athletes. As they mature through the early stages of early adulthood, they learn to take the steps necessary and find a passion they want to explore. Greenfield is following in his father’s footsteps, but he’s also going about it in his own way. “You’ve got to learn from different people, and there’s so much to learn,” he said. “You get their input and learn what they do. Nobody bulldogs the same. You have to figure out how you do it, and then you take what others are doing and what makes them successful and figure out how to make it work for you.” Like Greenfield, Oestmann started his intercollegiate career elsewhere. The Nebraska cowboy competed for Iowa Central Community College his rookie season, qualifying for the college finals in 2019. He then transferred to Northwestern and continued to develop as a student and as a roper. “As a whole, college was good to me,” he said. “Alva was really good to me. Stockton was good to me. I made a lot of friends. I think I should have won the region one time while I was there, made it to Casper one more time than I did, but there’s nothing a guy can change about it now. “I was lucky enough to get to go to the college finals twice.” With time, his reflections of college life will be about his friends, his rodeo victories and competing on the sport’s biggest stage. Of the thousands of cowboys and cowgirls who compete in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, only a few ever get to say they were college finalists. That’s an elite status they’ll always have, and it’s one that will follow them through whatever professional success sits on their horizons.

Rooftop Rodeo’s annual procession returns after a three-year hiatus   ESTES PARK, Colo. – The sounds of horse’s hooves clacking along the pavement on Elkhorn Avenue have been missing. They’ll return this summer. With them will be the return of the Rooftop Rodeo Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 6. It will be the first time since 2019 that the rodeo’s parade has been part of one of the major summertime events in Estes Park. “When COVID hit in 2020, it shut down most of what makes Estes Park so great,” said Rob Hinkle, the community services director for the Town of Estes Park. “Most of our businesses were shuttered or virtually non-existent, and those businesses are the major sponsors that make the rodeo happen. In working with the Estes Park Western Heritage, we realized in good conscience that we couldn’t put on a rodeo that year. “Because we didn’t know what to expect the next year, we had to wait to see if we could even have a rodeo in 2021. Because of that, we decided against having some of the extra things, like the parade. By the time we got everything lined up for last year’s rodeo, it was too late to pull everything together to have the parade, so the goal was to come back in 2023.” The time has come, and the community is excited. The parade has been a major part of the rodeo experience for many in Estes Park, and it will come marching down the avenue in just a few weeks. The parade will begin near Big Horn Restaurant on West Elkhorn Avenue and head east to the intersection at Big Thompson Avenue, North St. Vrain Avenue and East Wonderview Avenue, where the parade will take a right turn on North St. Vrain. It will remain in that direction until making another right turn on Fourth Street, ending at Estes Park Fairgrounds. As crowds of people pack the parade route, they will see a spectacle that is special to the folks in Estes Park and the surrounding communities. Whether it’s the Cervi Rodeo team leading a herd of bucking horses down the road or hearing the bells ring on antique firetrucks, there is something for people of all ages along the way. “The return of the parade is an important part of bringing the full Rooftop Rodeo experience to Estes Park,” said Cindy Schonholtz, Rooftop Rodeo’s coordinator. “We’re excited to promote Rooftop Rodeo with a parade that we know will bring smiles to many faces.” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

  BIG SPRING, Texas – The talk of the town in this community of nearly 26,000 folks has been the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo. It’s fitting, with the annual rodeo having one of its most successful weekends in years. Hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls made their way to this west Texas city to showcase their talents and ride for the glory that comes with the sport. Moreover, thousands of fans flocked into the Rodeo Bowl to witness it all. “We had some big names, like J.J. Hampton, Will Lowe and J.B. Mauney,” said Cash Berry, president of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual rodeo. “We were blessed to get past world champions to compete here, and the whole county’s been a buzz with what we had this year. “I’ve heard many wonderful comments about the upgrade in the facilities and what they saw with the contestants that came to Big Spring.” The committee has made some significant changes to the complex and to how it handles the business at hand. This was the second straight year that featured increased local dollars in the purse. In years past, the committee included $2,500 per event; the “added money” has increased to $5,000, which is a major attraction to the cowboys and cowgirls that make their livings in the sport. The added money is mixed with the contestants’ entry fees to make up the total purse. “Last year we didn’t quite see the benefit of increasing the added money,” Berry said. “This year, we were in our second year at $5,000, and we could see where it paid off. We still have some things to improve, but we’re re-energized and ready to move on and keep making it bigger and better.” Some bigger and better things happened inside the arena this past weekend. Leighton Berry, the No. 1 bareback rider in the world standings, won his event, while Lowe, a three-time world champion, finished third. Eight-time world champion heeler Rich Skelton snagged a second-place paycheck while roping with Kolby Kreiger, while 2015 saddle bronc world champ Jacobs Crawley rode his way to a tie for second place. Mauney, a two-time PBR world champion, captured the bull riding title in Big Spring with a 90.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Ice Storm. Reigning world champion Martha Angelone and nine-time WPRA titlist Kelsie Domer shared the breakaway roping title. “We were about 1,500 better as far as our overall crowd count,” Berry said. “We’re still waiting to find out the final numbers, but we saw some significant improvements.” That’s the goal every year. The local organizers want more people involved and more people to enjoy three nights of world-class competition and family-friendly entertainment. They realize there are many alternatives for people, which is why they work with Carr and his team of professionals to produce an event that so many witnessed. “I’m the fourth generation involved with this,” Berry said. “My great-grandad was on the first board. My dad was president before I took the reins from him. We’ve got a family investment here. I’ve got a really great group of guys. The board I have right now has a lot of passion. We know it’s going to add more work on us. I think we’re going to reap those rewards.” It takes dedication and a sincere appreciation for community for individuals to volunteer to produce an event of this magnitude. Each person takes his or her work seriously, and they know it involves a team effort to pull it off year after year. “We had our end-of-the-year meeting after cleaning up the place Sunday,” he said. “You could see it on the guy’s faces: This was an event we could all hang our hats on and say we’re proud to have put it on.” That teamwork extends from each member of the committee to each person they hire. Berry pointed to the relationships the committee has with Carr and his crew, announcer Anthony Lucia, sound director Josh Hilton, clown and entertainer Matt Merritt, trick rider Jessica Blair Fowlkes, Shane Simon with Real Screen Video and all the others that make the rodeo happen. “Pete and his crew not only produce our rodeo and do a dang good job, but Pete is instrumental in our success,” Berry said. “The best part of our rodeo is the people, the contract acts, Pete Carr and his people. Those guys are professionals, and they do their best to make our rodeo a world-class event. “I’ve made lifelong friends because of the people we bring into help us with our rodeo. It’s nice to see them come back every year.” There is no rodeo in Big Spring without a cowboy reunion.  

CASPER, Wyo. – The smile isn’t likely to leave Weston Timberman’s face anytime soon. He’s just 19 years old and has already proven to be one of the best cowboys in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, claiming the bareback riding championship and serving as a major reason why the Clarendon (Texas) College rodeo team won its second men’s national title in three years. “It’s pretty surreal, and I’m still trying to grasp it all,” said Timberman, a freshman from Columbus, Montana. “It’s pretty awesome to be able to bring back two titles to Clarendon. “It’s hard to beat the national championship I won for bareback riding, but for it to help the team ring home the national title is just as cool in my eyes.” That’s just what happened in 2021. Cole Franks won the bareback riding title, and the Clarendon men won their first college crown. This year, Timberman stood out in a group of six standouts that guided the bulldogs another crown, the fourth overall for rodeo coach Bret Franks; he also won the 1997-98 men’s titles while coaching at his alma mater, Oklahoma Panhandle State University. “We had a good bunch of guys that like to win,” said Franks, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in saddle bronc riding. “We have a real close-knit group that worked hard, and that plays out in the end. We had a meeting going in, and the goal was to get all six of our guys into the short round.” They came close. Because the Clarendon men finished second in the Southwest Region standings, the Bulldogs had a full team of six cowboys in the mix. Timberman was joined by fellow bareback rider Sam Petersen of Helena, Montana, who advanced to the championship round.   In saddle bronc riding, only Cauy Masters of Leon, Iowa, failed to make the short round, and the other three all finished strong: Dylan Hancock of Golconda, Illinois; Slade Keith of Stanfield, Arizona; and Will Pollock of Utopia, Texas, finished fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. Each bronc rider secured points, which made a difference when it came time to tally the final team standings. “We had six guys ride in three rounds each, and we had just one missed markout that kept us from having all six in the short-go and getting to ride for a fourth time,” Franks said. “To compete that well with four freshmen, one sophomore and Will, who was competing for the third year, means something. It’s impressive that they were able to compete at that level. “This group is really determined and mentally tough. That’s the key to it.” It’s important. After Masters was saddled with a no-score in the second round, he bounced back in the third round. Overall, he finished 19th. Hancock placed in the second, third and final go-rounds, while Keith placed in the first, third and fourth rounds. Pollock added points in the second round and in the aggregate. Timberman was a bit more dominant. He won the first round and shared the top score on championship night, placing in the second and third rounds. He accumulated 320 points and was the CNFR’s top rookie. “When you have a team like we have, it makes you step up every chance you get,” said Timberman, whose father, Chris, and uncle, Kelly, rode bareback horses; Kelly Timberman was the 2004 world champion. “It seems like throughout the year, I was constantly being pushed by my teammates.” It paid off in a big way, not only for Timberman but for the rodeo team in general. Franks took control of the program in 2015. In that eight-year span, the Bulldogs have earned two men’s team titles and five individual crowns. Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper was the first in 2016, followed by Riggin Smith in 2019. Cole Franks won both the bareback riding and all-around national titles in 2021, and Timberman adds another piece of rodeo gold to the mix. “We focus on mental toughness more than anything,” Bret Franks said. “You have to be ready for everything, from being confronted with a tough situation on horses and not letting that beat you before you get started to riding through being a little sore. “These guys are really good about not letting the moment be bigger than the ride. I think that helped them as much as anything.” Playing the game at an elite level takes a lot of talent and mental fortitude. The Clarendon rodeo team has shown that year after year. “Bret brings a lot of consistency to us, keeping track of us,” Timberman said. “He makes sure we’re up in the morning, making sure we work out or are getting on the spur board or on the bucking machine. He has a couple of sayings that stick with you. “There’s a bunch that Bret brings to the table. He’s definitely got that old-cowboy mentality.” Being a champion means mixing superb talent with an old-school approach, and the Clarendon College rodeo team continues to prove it.

GUNNISON, Colo. – His words were direct, a reflection of the work he’s been doing to not only promote the Cattlemen’s Days celebration but also the service men and women. “Our Patriot Night is going to be amazing,” said Kevin Coblentz, a longtime member of the volunteer committee that produces the annual exposition. “We have some special things planned for that night, and I can promise you that our opening is going to be powerful. “Nobody will want to miss this.” Patriot Night at Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo begins at 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. All former and active service military will be admitted free, a way the volunteer committee is giving back to those that served. There are three nights of rodeo, and each has a special event attached to it. The opening night, set for Thursday, July 13, is Pink Night, which honors the legendary status of the Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign, the largest in ProRodeo. The campaign has raised millions of dollars, which has been utilized locally.   The final performance, set for Saturday, July 15, will honor the Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy, a tip of the cap to the generations of ranching families that have continued to look after this land and their neighbors. “Our Patriot Night is a way to honor those that have served and sacrificed for our country,” Coblentz said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re from Gunnison or have lived here, we just want to honor them for serving. If they’ve come from anywhere and have served in the U.S. military, then we want to honor them on that Friday night.” The idea behind Patriot Night was developed several years ago, and Cattlemen’s Days organizers have expanded upon it over time. It’s not just military, Coblentz said. The committee will honor those that serve locally, like police officers, sheriff’s officers, firefighters and ambulance crews. “Those are the folks that serve this community,” he said. “We’re going to honor Jill Adams, who recently passed away. She was the paramedics captain in Gunnison and had spent 30-plus years as a paramedic. She and people like her are valuable to a community like ours.” The Gunnison Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to properly display the giant American flag, and other officers from the various branches will help with aspects of the Friday night production of the rodeo. “When we salute these heroes and honor our service men and women, we want to do it with purpose and meaning,” Coblentz said. “I promise that this will be a rodeo performance that everybody will want to see, because they’re going to witness something unlike anything ever seen in Gunnison.”  

Thousands of fans see many great things each year at Rooftop Rodeo ESTES PARK, Colo. – Just hearing the name of the town conjures up incredible memories for millions of people who have found their way to this destination community over the years. Of course, the valley is encapsulated by the majesty that is this part of Colorado, and it serves as the pathway in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park. The beauty that surrounds Estes Park is a major attraction, but so are the fascinating shops and the people that make the community so special. What’s even greater are the extra things that help bring hoards of people to town every year, like Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. It’s a chance to see a little bit of Americana while also enjoying something that is uniquely Colorado. Most importantly, it’s a chance for all to understand the Western legacy that has made Estes Park what it is today. This is more than guided horseback rides through mountainous trails. This is a chance to witness a lifestyle that once was a staple of this territory not that long ago. “We’re very proud to play a part in showing off our Western heritage through the sport of rodeo,” said Cindy Schonholtz, Rooftop Rodeo’s coordinator. “We offer people a great chance to see the beauty of the Western lifestyle.” They’ll also be doing so while experiencing an award-winning rodeo that’s been around for many years. Because of the magnitude of Rooftop Rodeo, many of the top athletes from around the world will make their way to this Rocky Mountain town in early July. Part of that is the vibrant purse that’s up for grabs for cowboys and cowgirls in the competition, yet another aspect is a chance to enjoy all the experiences Estes Park has to offer. “If you’re on vacation and looking for a home away from home, then Estes Park is an excellent place to be in July,” announcer Andy Seiler said. According to the Town of Estes Park, the rodeo hosts somewhere around 10,000 people each year. They may get some concessions or enjoy one of the six to eight vendors that comes out to the rodeo each year, then they find their seats inside the grandstands as they prepare to enjoy the show. Over the course of the six-day rodeo, fans will see roughly 85 bucking horses, 55 bulls, 80 steers and 50 calves. This year’s field is loaded with nearly 600 entries of cowboys and cowgirls who plan to ride for the money and glory when they arrive in Estes Park. More than 90 bull riders, 90 bronc riders and 160 barrel racers have thrown their hats into the ring.   Fans will witness world champions and rising stars all mixed into evenings of high-flying, major-intensity competition, as each combatant rides, ropes or wrestles his or her way to the big purse up for grabs. “Our goal is to always put on a great show for the fans,” Schonholtz said. “If we put on a great competition for the cowboys and the cowgirls, then the fans will get a great show.” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

GUNNISON, Colo. – The history of the Cattlemen’s Days celebration dates back to 1900, when folks in the Gunnison Valley were looking for a way to gather together to celebrate. Now in its 123rd year, it continues to be a community gathering and so much more. Generation after generation has grown up in Gunnison County making their way to town every July to show what they’ve raised or enjoy the rides or take in the award-winning professional rodeo. This year’s edition of the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo is set for Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. It’s been recognized by the cowboys who play the game, honored as one of the elite rodeos in North America with its nomination for PRCA Medium Rodeo of the Year. It’s also been named the best medium-size rodeo in the Mountain States Circuit. “It is Colorado’s longest continuous running rodeo in America and the third oldest rodeo in the country,” said Andy Stewart, the event’s rodeo announcer. “It’s part of history in a great ranching town. The people are wonderful, and the scenery is beautiful. It’s one of my favorite rodeos.” What’s not to like? Cattlemen’s Days was built on a foundation laid by hard work, passion and caring for one another. Whether it’s the sixth generation of one family showing livestock or a newcomer to this community patching a quilt together to put on display, this event is for all to enjoy and preserve. More importantly, it’s become a global happening. People from all over the world have made their ways to this Rocky Mountain town with picturesque views and a feeling of home. Beyond that, the week of Cattlemen’s Days is also reunion week for families and classmates who return to their hometown to honor their heritage. “Before any of us were ever born, this celebration was a big part of the Gunnison community, and it is our job to not only continue Cattlemen’s Days but to enhance it and make it better for years to come,” said Brad Tutor, first vice president of the volunteer committee that produces the annual event. “We work with other community leaders to bring this thing together, and we take a lot of pride in it.” They should, because it is a vital piece of Gunnison lore. It was established in a time when travel wasn’t nearly as easy and when the conveniences of life weren’t within reach on a minute-to-minute basis. For those that weren’t raised around agriculture, Cattlemen’s Days offers the opportunity to learn the origins of their food while doing so in a fun and entertaining setting. “We pride ourselves on helping bring the people in our community together,” Tutor said. “Of course, our marquee event is the rodeo. We have the best stock contractor in rodeo with Stace Smith, and that, in turn, helps us draw the best cowboys to town. It’s really the show to see during Cattlemen’s Days.” In fact, the rodeo has featured record numbers of contestants in recent years. Before they earn their world championship gold buckles, they first make their way to Gunnison to showcase their talents for thousands to see. “It’s just an awesome event overall that does so much for all of Gunnison Valley,” Stewart said.

GUNNISON, Colo. – In his hometown of Charleston, Arkansas, Cody Sosebee can walk outside in the summertime and begin sweating in just a few steps. The town of 2,300 souls is surrounded by trees and creeks and has a lake on its south side. It’s not far from the Arkansas River and the Oklahoma state line. July temperatures soar into the 90s, and with humidity levels so high that one could cut with a knife, it feels more than 100 degrees on most days. That’s when it’s easy to reflect on last year’s work trip to the Gunnison Valley. It’s why he’s looking forward to returning to Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo, set for Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison, where Sosebee will again serve as the featured entertainer and funnyman. “Last year, I took a picture of my thermostat, and it was like 40 to 50 degrees,” he said with a smile, knowing full well there will be milder temperatures when he arrives this year. “It was just like a big, outside air conditioner.” There are many aspects to his job that Sosebee enjoys, and one of those is experiencing different communities with different climates while getting to entertain thousands of people over just a few days. His talent and likeability are reasons why the volunteers on the Cattlemen’s Days committee asked him to return, and he’s excited to put on a show for all who come to see Gunnison’s rodeo. “We really enjoyed having Cody last year and are glad to have him back,” said Brad Tutor, first vice president of the Cattlemen’s Days committee. “He’s got a lot of great acts and does a great job of interacting with our crowd. He is as funny as anyone we’ve ever had, and that makes it fun for everybody.” That’s the idea. Rodeo is equal parts of great competition and family fun, which is where the Arkansas man comes into play. In addition to his acts, he will also be part of the show throughout, offering rib-ticklers for anyone and everyone. His comedy transcends generations, which is why he’s so sought-after. Sosebee has been a regular nominee for PRCA Clown of the Year and PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, the latter of which he won in 2018. He’s worked some of the largest rodeos in the world, including the Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days and the National Finals Rodeo. He’s traveled the country extensively and has a star on the map so he knows to return to Gunnison when he can. “Before last year, I’d worked Gunnison a long time ago,” Sosebee said. “I was super excited to get to go back to Gunnison, and I’m excited to go back again this year. When there’s been years in between, you can see the strides of success that those people have made. They understand the importance of hiring a good stock contractor, good sound and a good announcer, and I think it shows in the product they give their fans. “That arena is so inviting, because the grandstands are full and people are wanting to get closer to the arena to see you. It’s an awesome setting to work. The other clowns that have worked there know that it’s a special rodeo.” That’s true. In 2019, the rodeo was recognized as the best in its category in the Mountain States Region, a series of PRCA rodeos in Colorado and Wyoming. Last year, Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo was nominated as one of the top five Medium Rodeos of the Year across North America. There’s a reason for that success. “I think that rodeos that are super invested in the long term are doing the right things,” Sosebee said. “There are some rodeos that just have a place in your heart. You know it’s going to be a great time and have great crowds. Gunnison falls into both of those categories. “That rodeo committee works hard, and that makes it easier to work with those people. They’re all-in, and the people in that community are all-in for the rodeo. It’s like watching the top guys. They’re fun to watch. They’re committed. They’re going for it. When a rodeos are excited to grow, they’re fun to work.” Of course, Sosebee’s job is about fun, and he wants to enjoy his time in the arena while bringing joy to others. He works closely with announcer Andy Stewart, and the two banter back and forth to make sure everyone is entertained. “To me, Andy is one of the easiest announcers to work with, because he brings a lot of passion to what he does,” Sosebee said. “He’s even on a different level at Gunnison. Andy will match the energy with the crowd. The rowdier they get, the rowdier he’ll get. Before you know it, we’re in the middle of a party in the middle of that arena. “He sets me up with great crowd interaction. Andy wants to have the best possible performance, and he wants me to have the best possible performance. He’s a very unselfish person, and he wants us all to put on a great show for the crowd.” Because of that, the big man with a big personality is able to showcase his talents before thousands of people each night. Whether he’s in Prescott, Arizona, or Cheyenne, Wyoming, or Gunnison, Colorado, Sosebee is on top of his game. “My job allows me to entertain people,” he said. “They buy a ticket to be entertained. When you see them laughing and cheering and having fun, I don’t think that’s a job. It’s like I realized last year when I was soaking in the scenery after the rodeo was over: I get to sit to where I can see the Tenderfoot Mountain and all the stuff that surrounds that arena, and I just get to soak it all in. “I get to go to places my family has never been. You forget that it is a job.”

Gizmo McCracken to be featured entertainer at this year’s Rooftop Rodeo ESTES PARK, Colo. – For most of his life, Dale “Gizmo” McCracken has been a comedian. He spent some time on stage in Branson, Missouri, then transitioned that into a career as a rodeo clown. It’s carried him to locales all across North America, but it’s never brought him to Estes Park. That changes this year when he will serve his role at Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. “I’m going to be the rookie in town,” said McCracken, ever the comedian. “It’s pretty neat. It’s nice to get to go to places I’ve heard a lot about and heard about how pretty it is there. I think it’s something we’re going to really enjoy.” He knows a few things about that. His business is putting smiles on people’s faces. He wears greasepaint and, true to his nickname, he has plenty of gadgets that play into his schtick; he presents his comedy for folks of all ages. Even before he is set to arrive in Estes Park, McCracken understands that the Rooftop Rodeo crowd will be a bit different from the typical run of rodeos he’s been involved with, where fans know a little more about the sport they are enjoying. “The nice thing about that is you have people there that are from all over the country,” he said. “You’ll have people that have never seen a rodeo; they’ve heard about it, so for me, it’s important for us to make a good impression on a lot of those newcomers. It reminds me of our Branson days, where people would come from all over to be entertained.” Rodeo is the perfect mix of Western sports and family-friendly entertainment. While watching cowboys ride bucking horses and bulls is fun, there’s something special about a clown that wants to see people happy. He did that on stage, and now he does it on dirt. McCracken grew up around livestock. He helped his father break ponies to ride, and then, while in his teens, he took up bullfighting, working at rodeos to help keep cowboys safe during bull riding. He always utilized his comedic chops, so it was an easy transition to being a rodeo clown. “The challenge is the biggest difference between the rodeo arena and a stage show,” McCracken said. “When you walk out on a stage, everybody in the theater looks at you. When you walk into an arena, you have other things they can look at, so I have to do some different things to be seen by the audience. I have more freedom to do comedy material, too. Branson is way more scripted.” That’s not how McCracken works a rodeo crowd, and he plans to keep doing this for a few more years. He’s not far removed from being named the 2017 PRCA Comedy Act of the Year, an honor for which he’s been nominated 12 times. “I’ve been doing this longer than a lot of those other guys have been alive,” he said. “To still be able to be mentioned with them and to still be relevant means a lot to me. “It’s just exciting to still be in demand.” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

GUNNISON, Colo. – The foundation for success is surrounding oneself with the very best.   It’s a philosophy used by the local organizers of the Gunnison Valley’s biggest annual event, and it’s paying off. The Cattlemen’s Days celebration will honor its 123rd year this July, and that principle is why its ProRodeo has been honored as one of the best. Fans will have the opportunity to witness it all during this year’s rodeo, set for Thursday, July 13-Saturday, July 15, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. Cowboys in the Mountain States Circuit have recognized the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo as the best in its classification. That honor came in 2019. Last year, the contestants and other members of the PRCA upped the honor, nominating the Gunnison rodeo as one of the top five Medium Rodeos of the Year from events across North America. “We have some dedicated volunteers who have given their time and their effort to make our rodeo as great as it can be,” said Brad Tutor, first vice president of the Cattlemen’s Days committee. “We decided a long time ago that we wanted to have the best in the business working our rodeo. “That’s why we went out and hired Stace Smith, who is one of the greatest stock contractors in rodeo. That’s why we brought in Andy Stewart, who has been nominated so many times as Announcer of the Year. That trend has just continued.” The cowboys have recognized that. Only five rodeos in each of four categories receive nominations; that’s quite an honor. Of the nearly 700 events the PRCA sanctions each year, Cattlemen’s Days was recognized as one of the top 20 overall. Gunnison’s name has been mentioned along with events like the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede, Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days, Rodeo Houston, the Pendleton (Oregon) Round-Up and several other highly honored events. “Just to have your name in the same category with those rodeos is an amazing experience,” said Tyler Hanson, the volunteer group’s second vice president. “It says a lot about our committee to be in the same category as those rodeos. It says a lot about our community, too.” From 2004-14, nobody in rodeo was better than Texas-based Stace Smith Pro Rodeo, which was named PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year for 11 straight campaigns. The firm is just one of several pieces to an incredible puzzle that makes Cattlemen’s Days such a well-recognized event. The committee has added several other award-winners to the mix. Amanda Corley Sanders was recognized as the PRCA Secretary of the Year in 2017, and she handles the behind-the-scenes workload in Gunnison. Shawna Ray was the 2019 Timer of the Year, and she will return to the valley for the second straight year. Ted Harbin, a media award winner for both the PRCA and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, has been part of the team since 2017. Funnyman Cody Sosebee, the 2018 Comedy Act of the Year, returns to showcase his brand of entertainment, while fellow Arkansan Robby Freeman adds his specialized eye to the show as the 2021 Photographer of the Year. “Every person that comes to Gunnison to work with our rodeo brings his or her own talents with them,” Tutor said. “When you bring in professionals with that kind of ability to help you put on a community event like this, you are telling everyone that you care. We care about Cattlemen’s Days, and we care about our rodeo. “These people become family to us, and we look forward to having them come home to us every year.”

Schonholtz takes the control as coordinator of longstanding Rooftop Rodeo ESTES PARK, Colo. – There is a bit of a cowgirl in everything Cindy Schonholtz does, and it’s guided her back to the Rocky Mountains. It’s perfectly fitting as she begins her role as the Rooftop Rodeo coordinator, working with the town of Estes Park to help produce one of the greatest annual spectacles in this community. Over the years, Rooftop Rodeo has been an award-winning event tucked at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park. “Estes Park is a very special place, and I want everybody to know the history and the Western tradition of Estes Park,” Schonholtz said. “I don’t want that to ever get lost. I think we see that in a lot of mountain towns, where they’re losing their Western heritage. Estes Park has done a great job of keeping it, and I hope to help with that and promote that to the community and visitors alike.” She knows a thing or two about the Colorado tourist town and knows a lot about rodeo. She served on a volunteer rodeo committee in southern California and was also the director of the Miss Rodeo California pageant until she took a position with the Colorado Springs-based PRCA as the coordinator for animal welfare and membership development in 1998. While at the PRCA, she created the industry outreach department and served as its director and was also the CEO and president of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provides financial assistance to cowboys that are unable to compete because of injury or any substantial life occurance. She remained in those roles until 2017, when she took over as the general manager of the St. Paul (Oregon) Rodeo. Over the past few years, she developed a consultant business to assist with rodeo management, which is how she landed at Rooftop Rodeo. Her first year at the helm is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. She also serves as the general manager of the Redding (California) Rodeo. “I always expect to have an amazing event,” Schonholtz said. “So much of that has to do with bringing the community, the volunteers, the contestants and the contract personnel into one cohesive unit and celebrate our Western heritage. “A lot of it is giving back to the community through different charities. I think that’s where the sport of rodeo has so much popularity in today’s time. It’s because of our patriotism and because of our history. Rodeo is back to the basics, supporting the community and the Western legacy.” That’s the overall point of view. As the point person for an event that features the mixture of family-friendly entertainment and world-class competition, Schonholtz focuses on a simple detail. “I want every person who comes here to leave with a smile on their face,” she said. That attention to detail makes all the difference in the world. Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.