Estes Park man pens book about the history of Rooftop Rodeo

ESTES PARK, Colo. – The state of Colorado was just 52 years old when folks in Estes Park decided to establish a gathering now called Rooftop Rodeo.

Over the years since the first competition, a tradition has continued. As the community prepares to celebrate the 98th anniversary of its annual rodeo, local organizers expect to commemorate it with the book Rodeo With Altitude: The History of Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo, written by local rodeo historian Howell Wright.

In collaboration with the Estes Park Museum, the book is expected to be completed by this year’s Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Monday, July 6-Saturday, July 11, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.

From those early beginnings, the book chronicles how the rodeo and parade have evolved over time. Filled with images of each era, Wright adds words that accentuate the details of life in Estes Park from the rodeo’s origins in the 1920s, through the decades that followed. The timing of the book also coincides with Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the 250th celebration of the United States of America.

Wright is a retired Marine Corps colonel, and in 2005, he moved to Estes Park. He and his wife immediately became involved with the rodeo, volunteering their time and efforts into producing an event that accentuates the Western heritage in the Estes Valley.

Wright grew up on a cattle ranch in central Arkansas, so his affection for being around livestock was developed early. So was his love of rodeo, and the knack for writing just added to the flair. His love for the game enhanced over time, even though he failed to make a qualified ride in 22 bull riding attempts.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he joined the Marine Corps and was part of two tours of duty in Vietnam. In a career that took him around the world, he also returned to his roots. He became involved rodeo while in the Marine Corps, and that passion for the sport never waned.

As one of the volunteers, Wright and many others worked diligently to not only continue the decades-long traditions of rodeo but also help launch its status. He served as the committee president.

“We were (PRCA) Small Rodeo of the Year three times during that period, and we were in the top five (nominees) all six years,” Wright said. “When I resigned as president, I created the nonprofit organization and played around with that for three or four years. Now, I’ve moved on to other deals, and just three years ago, I decided I needed to get back to working on this doggone book.”

It took two and a half years to write, but it’s a passion. He spent countless hours researching and writing to produce a definitive history of Rooftop Rodeo. This is Wright’s third book, and it’s a tale about parades, cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo queens and a passion for the Western way of life.

Just like Rooftop Rodeo, the book is a tribute to Estes Park’s ranching and Western heritage.

 

Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Monday, July 6-Saturday, July 11, 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.