Renowned rodeo entertainer John Harrison is so beloved at the Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers that fans dressed like him during his last appearance in southern Idaho.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODING PRO RODEO)

 

Community eager to greet award-winning rodeo entertainer

GOODING, Idaho – When John Harrison walked into Andy James Arena the last time he was in town, he was greeted by members of the audience who looked similar.

No, they weren’t family to the award-winning rodeo entertainer, but they dressed like him. Bright yellow shirts with red fringe pointed to something more than adulation; this was a sign that folks in southern Idaho truly appreciate what he brings to the Gooding Pro Rodeo.

“It was a complete surprise, and it hit me pretty hard emotionally,” said Harrison, who will return for this year’s Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers, set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.

“It is truly one of the best compliments I have ever received. I doubt a single person in central Idaho can find any red fringe.”

Those are the two sides of Harrison, a class act and a true entertainer. He’s much more than a rodeo clown, and he’s taken to his role through cowboy grace and intuition. He comes by it naturally, with rodeo in his genetics. His grandfather was the late-Freckles Brown, a world champion bull rider who made a famous ride on the previously unridden Tornado during the 1967 National Finals Rodeo.

Harrison got into rodeo through trick riding, traveling the country doing acrobatics while on a galloping horse. Through the years, he transitioned to add comedy and character to his performances and has been recognized as the PRCA’s top clown, top comedy act and top barrelman.

“Everyone around here loves John Harrison,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “Everyone’s been asking when John was going to be back, and we’re glad that he is returning for the next couple of years.”

The feeling is mutual.

“That rodeo is truly one of the most fun rodeos that there is in the country,” Harrison said. “I am pumped. There are two or three crowds in the nation that are truly electric, and Gooding is definitely one of them.”

The audience stands out, and it’s attractive to anyone in ProRodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls do their best to be part of the festivities, because they enjoy competing before such a raucous crowd that is entertaining to watch while it is being entertained.

“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.”

Crowd-watching just adds to the overall entertainment value of the rodeo, which is why Gooding County organizers have expanded it to four nights. The seating capacity also increased a year ago as the demand grows. With Harrison back in the mix with rodeo’s greatest stars, there will be something for everyone.

“John adds a different dimension to our rodeo,” Gill said. “He’s funny, he has great timing and he understands rodeo production. He knows when he needs to step in and do something to help with the show, and he knows when to let the action speak for itself. That’s priceless in rodeo.”

It is, and so is Gooding’s love affair with Harrison, and every moment will be relished during four days of world-class rodeo in August.