GUNNISON, Colo. – Six years ago, the world faced an uncertainty as a global pandemic raged.

Schools and businesses shuttered. Professional rodeo, which boasts of more than 600 events annually, had been reduced by hundreds. Not many braved the idea of mass gatherings during the uncertainty revolving around COVID.

It put a 120-year tradition on the chopping block. Every year since 1900, Cattlemen’s Days produced a rodeo for folks in the Gunnison Valley. Some thought a one-year hiatus would be the prudent choice.

Kevin Coblentz thought otherwise. Gunnison’s rodeo had lasted through the Spanish flu, two world wars, floods and many other obstacles, so the community’s persistence has always held strong. He fought to continue the tradition and won.

The community won. Faith was restored. Because of statewide health restrictions, only scants of fans witnessed Cattlemen’s Days rodeo in person, but it was broadcast live internationally on The Cowboy Channel, which continues to broadcast Gunnison’s marquee event. Rodeo won that battle, too.

Knowing that the pandemic had devastated local businesses that are traditional sponsors, Colbentz and others got creative in finding ways to fund an important event. It paid off.

Cattlemen’s Days will continue its tradition this year, with events beginning Saturday, July 4, and wrapping with three days of rodeo Thursday, July 9-Saturday, July 11, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. As he has done much of his life, Coblentz will help energize the annual celebration.

Now, though, he is the rodeo’s general manager, a link between the volunteer committee and all other aspects of the event. It’s a new role for Cattlemen’s Days, but the celebration’s growth and success over the years has driven it. While 2020 was the first year the rodeo was t

“Kevin has been a big part of Cattlemen’s Days for as long as I can remember,” said Tyler Hanson, the committee’s president. “He knows what it takes to put on an event like this. His experience as a member of our committee and as a leader are valuable.”

For Coblentz, though, this role is just another way to serve the community.

“Gunnison is my home,” said Coblentz, who owns KC Barbershop. “These people are my friends. Cattlemen’s Days is a very important part of this valley, and I have always enjoyed being able to give back to the community in various ways.”

As general manager, he will take a bigger role in the planning and production of the rodeo. He has been working with contractors and making sure all prep work is done before they arrive. He has also sought ways to help Gunnison shine during those special days in July, like the inclusion of the women’s bronc riding, which will take place Tuesday, July 7, in conjunction with the mini broncs event.

Cattlemen’s Days is a 126-year-old tradition. For half of the life of this country, folks have enjoyed the gathering that honored community and the people that make Gunnison vibrant.

“This is a way of life for us,” Coblentz said. “Ranching and farming are ways of life here, which is why Cattlemen’s Days is such a big deal. It’s important to me that we keep those traditions going.”