About: Ted

PECOS, Texas – Don’t be upset with Scott Snedecor for being a little greedy. With two West of the Pecos buckles already in his trophy case, he made a statement during Friday’s third performance that he’d like to win another. After making two solid runs during the morning session of competition, he secured his fastest run of the weekend, stopping the clock in 12.9 seconds. That moved him into the top spot with a three-run cumulative time of 44.7 seconds to take the aggregate lead. “My day was OK,” said Snedecor, 49, a four-time world champion steer roper from Fredericksburg, Texas. “My first one ran me down (the arena) a ways, and I was 14 (seconds) on him; my second won came back, and he stepped right on me. By the time I rode to him, I had to kick back and get my trip and dropped the ball a little bit and was a little longer. “I came back tonight with one that tried pretty hard, but I made a good run on him.” He won his first world championship in 2005, then followed that with gold buckles in 2008, 2017 and 2018. He’s qualified for the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping 22 times and is about to add a 23rd. Over that stretch, he has won the steer roping aggregate title three times. He finished last season second in the world standings was third heading into this week of rodeos. “Pecos is one of the good rodeos, a good Texas rodeo,” Snedecor said. “It’s one of my favorite ones, because you run those cattle out there a ways. It’s more of a cowboy event in this big arena. You’ve got to read your steer while your running out them. Your horse has got to work good. It has great fans. “It’s a fun rodeo.” Horsepower is vital in all timed events, but having a good equine partner is critical in steer roping. The horse has to be equally athletic and strong to handle the type of pressure it faces in competition. Snedecor has a solid one in Goose, a 15-year-old bay gelding. “This horse has been a blessing,” he said. “I got it from Shorty Garten, and he was a little green when I got him. It took me about a year of getting him going – I almost gave up on him two or three different times throughout the year, but my wife kept saying that I had to go through the green-horse deal, and he was pretty pea-hearted with I stated, but he’s turned out to be one of the best.” When he’s not rodeoing, Snedecor trains horses, so working to make one better for himself is right up his alley. “I do like that side of it,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see. Up in South Dakota last week, there were six horses that I started training. To see them go to that level and do good at that level is just icing on the cake for me, but I enjoy the horsemanship of it, the learning, the skills … everything about a horse.” That mindset is why Snedecor is one of the best that’s ever played the game.  While he trusts horsepower, Josh Frost has to trust bull power. He knew he had that in full force by the time he arrived Friday in Pecos. He was matched with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Bayou Bengal, the 2023 PRCA Bull of the Year. Frost, a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Randlett, Utah, made it the ride of the rodeo so far. The two titans matched moves for 90 points, and Frost owns the lead heading into Saturday’s final performance. “I was pretty excited,” Frost said about match-up thrown together by random draw. “I’ve ridden him twice, and it was not in my favor the first time, and it was quick. The second time, I thought I had him figured out, and it was even quicker.” At most rodeos Bayou Bengal enters the arena out of a right-hand delivery, meaning the animal moves to its right initially. There are only left-hand deliveries at Buck Jackson Arena, so Frost liked his chances. “It changed it up a little bit, and it worked out in my favor,” he said. West of the Pecos RodeoJune 26-29Bareback riding: 1. Leighton Berry, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Fox Hole Gunner; 2. Tilden Hooper, 86; 3. Jess Pope, 85.5; 4. (tie) Ty Pope and Cooper Filipek, 82.5; 6. Cole Reiner, 81; 7. Tim Murphy, 80.5; 8. Mason Stuller, 79.5. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Jace Bland/Tyson Thompson, 6.1 seconds; 2. (tie) Pedro Egurrola/Cory Petska and Riley Kittle/Will Woodfin, 6.7; 4. Casey Tew/Cody Tew, 7.3; 5. Quisto Lopez/Jayden Cisneros, 7.5; 6. (tie) Clay Tryan/Blaine Vick, Cash Duty/Clay Green and Zane Murphy/Colten Tate, 8.1; 4. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.7; 5. Clay Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 12.6; 6. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 13.0; 7. Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan, 13.9; 8. Jhett Trenary/Jake South, 15.3. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torre, 6.2 seconds; 2. Peyton Walters/Brandon Gonzales, 6.7; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Lane Mitchell, 7.0; 4. Shad Mayfield/Faron Candelaria, 7.5; 5. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.2; 6. Quisto Lopez/Jayden Cisneros, 8.4; 7. Casey Tew/Cody Tew, 8.6; 8. Zane Murphy/Colton Tate, 8.7.  Average leaders: 1. (tie) Casey Tew/Cody Tew and Quisto Lopez/Jayden Cisneros, 15.9 seconds on two runs; 3. Zane Murphy/Colton Tate, 16.8; 4. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 16.9; 5. Shad Mayfield/Faron Candelaria, 17.4; 6. Cash Duty/Clay Green, 18.1; 7. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 19.2; 8. Jace Brand/Tyson Thompson, 20.3.  Steer roping: First round leaders: 1. Mike Chase, 12.4 seconds; 2. Cole Patterson, 12.9; 3. Seth Schafer, 13.2; 4. Brodie Poppino, 13.4; 5. Cooper Mills, 14.0; 6. Scott Snedecor, 14.2; 7. (tie) Trenton Johnson and J. Tom Fisher, 14.4. Second round leaders: 1. Chet Herren, 12.2 seconds; 2. Dan Fisher, 12.3; 3. Logn Currie, 12.5; 4. Tony Reina, 12.6; 5. (tie) Thomas Smith and Martin Poindexter, 13.3; 7. Jarrett Blessing, 14.2; 8. Jett Fisher, 14.3. Third round leaders: 1.  Continue Reading »

PECOS, Texas – This time of year is a busy one for cowboys and cowgirls that make their livings in rodeo. It’s the start of the summer run, when they leave their homes and venture off to lands known and unknown chasing their gold-buckle dreams. For most Texans, it a chance to escape the heat, but before they do, they make sure to be part of the West of the Pecos Rodeo. Take Leighton Berry, a bareback rider from Weatherford, Texas. His initial plans had him at a rodeo up north, but things didn’t work out. When that happened, he turned the tide and put his name in the hat for the “World’s First Rodeo.” During Thursday’s second performance, he rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Fox Hole Gunner for 87 points to take the lead. “When our plans changed and we saw a day that not very many guys were out on a Thursday, we thought we’d see the Pete Carr crew out in west Texas,” said Berry, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and the No. 3 man in the 2024 world standings with more than $93,000 in earnings. “Me and my traveling partner plucked two of their buckers, so we dang sure made the right decision to come out here. “This is my first one back since Weatherford (three weeks ago), and to get it kicked off like this – feeling good, body feeling good and mentally feeling strong – and now we just need to get the good draws going. We sure did that tonight. It feels good to be on top.” This isn’t the first year he’s been toward the top of the world standings. He first qualified for the NFR in 2020 and ended the campaign ninth on the money list. An injury sidelined Berry early in 2021 and he sat out six months. Once he returned that August, he went on a heater and finished 23rd. He returned to the NFR in 2022 and ’23 and finished among the top six. Born and raised in Weatherford, he’s a proud Texan who has had great success in the Lone Star State. This past March, he won RodeoHouston for the second straight year, adding $50,000 to his bankroll. It’s a nice payday, but even better, it allowed Berry a bit of comfort heading into the busiest time of the season. “It’s been a whirlwind of a year,” he said. “I got the repeat in Houston and got married to my wife, Kodi, and, man, things are rolling. I got a new business going, so God’s been really good, and I’ve been blessed to keep moving forward. And do what I’m doing. We’re ready to do the rodeo trail.” The wedding was followed by a nice honeymoon in Mexico. He and his bride were able to enjoy their time together before getting back to the business at hand. For now, Berry’s focus is strictly on rodeo’s world championship. “I’ve been in talks of a world-champion race every year I’ve been to the NFR, and the best I’ve done is third,” Berry said. “It’s a blessing that I can even get to the NFR. This year is just different in my mouth. I really want a gold buckle at the end of this thing, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.” West of the Pecos RodeoJune 26-29Bareback riding: 1. Leighton Berry, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Fox Hole Gunner; 2. Cooper Filipek, 82.5; 3. Cole Reiner, 81; 4. Tim Murphy, 80.5; 5. Kash Martin, 77; no other qualified rides. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Pedro Egurrola/Cory Petska and Riley Kittle/Will Woodfin, 6.7 seconds; 3. Clay Tryan/Blaine Vick, 8.1; 4. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.7; 5. Clay Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 12.6; 6. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 13.0; 7. Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan, 13.9; 8. Jhett Trenary/Jake South, 15.3. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torre, 6.2 seconds; 2. Peyton Walters/Brandon Gonzales, 6.7; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Lane Mitchell, 7.0; 4. Shad Mayfield/Faron Candelaria, 7.5; 5. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.2; 6. Clayton Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 9.7; 7. Cash Duty/Clay Green, 10.0; 8. Cash Fretwell/ole Walker, 11.5.  Average leaders: 1. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 16.9 seconds on two runs; 2. Shad Mayfield/Faron Candelaria, 17.4; 3. Cash Duty/Clay Green, 18.1; 4. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 19.2; 5. Jace Brand/Tyson Thompson, 20.3; 6. Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith, 20.5; 7. Cash Fretwell/Cole Walker, 20.5; 8. Clayton Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 22.3.  Steer roping: First round leaders: 1. Cole Patterson, 12.9 seconds; 2. Seth Schafer, 13.2; 3. Brodie Poppino, 13.4; 4. Cooper Mills, 14.0; 5. (tie) Trenton Johnson and J. Tom Fisher, 14.4; 7. John Bland, 14.5; 8. Vin Fisher Jr., 14.8. Second round leaders: 1. Dan Fisher, 12.3 seconds; 2. (tie) Thomas Smith and Martin Poindexter, 13.3; 4. Jett Fisher, 14.3; 5. Cooper Mills, 16.2; 6. John Bland, 17.1; 7. Mark Milner, 17.2; 8. Keith Hudson, 19.2. Third round leaders: 1. Cole Patterson, 11.2 seconds; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 11.8; 3. (tie) Cooper Mills and Martin Poindexter, 14.9; 5. John Bland, 15.1; 6. Mark Milner, 16.0; 7. Dan Fisher, 16.7; 8. J.D. Barnes, 20.0; Average leaders: 1. Cooper Mills, 45.1 seconds on three runs; 2. John Bland, 46.7; 3. Mark Milner, 57.9; 4. Cole Patterson, 24.1 seconds on two runs; 5. Vin Fisher Jr., 26.6; 6. Martin Poindexter, 28.2; 7. Dan Fisher, 29.0; 8. Marty Jones, 37.8.   Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Jake Finley, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Pretty Woman, and Sage Newman, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Smoke on the Water, 86.5 points; 3. Tanner Butner, 85; 4. Clint Franks, 83; 5. Isaac Richard, 81.5; 6. Tom Webster, 81; 7. Blaise Freeman, 80.5; 8. Chase Brooks, 80. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Monty Lewis, 9.3 seconds; 2. Tanner Green, 9.8; 3. Hunter Herrin, 9.9; 4. Tyson Arledge, 10.3; 5. Cash Hooper, 10.6; 6. Tyler Milligan, 10.9; 7. John Douch, 11.0; 8. Trenton Smith, 11.2. Second round leaders: 1. Gatlin Peck, 9.9 seconds; 2. Marcos Costa, 10.0; 3. Tyler Milligan, 10.4; 4. Hunter Herrin, 10.5; 5. Cash  Continue Reading »

GUNNISON, Colo. – There was something about the rural way of life that appealed to Tim Lehmann and Casey Connally. They had quite separate lives, but there was a form of unity founded in the Gunnison Valley and with the annual Cattlemen’s Days. They died mere days apart last November, and what they did for this community will be honored at this year’s celebration during the rodeo, set for Thursday, July 11-Saturday, July 13, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. “Both Tim and Casey made an impact in this community in their own ways, the Cattlemen’s Days committee wanted to honor them alongside two other people who were a very big part of our celebration, Dale Irby and Brett Redden,” said Brad Tutor, president of the volunteer group that produces the annual event. Casey Connally will be honored during the Thursday performance of the rodeo. She was a volunteer with the Cattlemen’s Days, especially in the early stages of its Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. An avid horsewoman who was born in Texas, she moved to Gunnison with her mother and sister in the early 1970s. “Her love of horses came from our mom,” said Lee Connally, Casey’s older sister. “Mom rode cutting horses when she was a teenager and in college until she met my dad. Casey and I grew up doing 4H gymkhanas and even competed in barrel racing for a short time in junior high and high school. Casey was more into it than me. “With Mom being a cutter, she brought Casey into the whole cutting thing, and Casey flourished at it. She was good at it and worked with horses most of her adult life.” Those experiences made her who she was, outgoing with lots of friends, positive and bubbly to those around her. She loved animals, especially horses, and shared her friendly, compassionate nature with those around her. In March 2022, she was diagnosed with glioblastoma and died Nov. 29, 2023. “Casey left her mark where she wanted, and she got to do what she did with horses,” Lee Connally said. “She did it well. She felt pretty content with her life when she left.” Celebrating her life and her personality during the rodeo’s pink night might be the perfect way to honor Casey Connally. Redden and Irby will be recognized during Friday’s performance of the rodeo, which is Patriot Night. Lehmann will be honored during Saturday’s Ranchland Conservation Legacy rodeo, and it’s just as fitting. He wasn’t raised in a ranching family, but he adjusted to that life very well. Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, Lehmann was an athlete who went to Mesa State College to play football. That’s where he met Michelle Sammons, who became his wife in 1993. She introduced him to the Sammons family ranch, where he worked alongside his father-in-law, Glen, and other members of the family. In fact, that’s where Tim and Michelle raised their children, Wyatt and Jessica, and where Tim grew into rancher, an advocate and a major member of the community. “I’m the fourth generation of my family to work on this ranch, and Jessica is the fifth,” Michelle Sammons Lehmann said. “I went to college and roped him and brought him back. He never left, and we built a life here on the ranch.” Jessica lives just two houses down from her folks and has worked with them all her life. She not only looked up to her father, she cherished all the time she had alongside him, whether it was horseback pushing cattle or fixing fence or just eating a meal together. “Dad had a great sense of humor,” Jessica said with a laugh. “He was also very ornery, and you had to have some tough skin if you were going to be around him.”  His personality was lively and infectious. It was what guided him into advocacy, first on the board for the Gunnison County Stockgrowers, then to the board of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. His biggest step, though, may have been helping his children and other youngsters through the 4H program in the valley. “He would meet somebody one time and become their best friend,” Jessica said. “He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He had so many friends in the community; everyone knew him and respected him. Everyone looked at him for guidance. He was very prideful about this place, but he was also very ornery and witty, but that’s because he truly cared about people. “I strive to be like him. He was very empathetic for other people. He loved us very much and was a big family man. He was one of the biggest supporters and cheerleaders in our lives.” Her brother seconded the thought of his father’s love and support. “He dedicated his life to his family, ranching and lobbying for the agricultural industry,” Wyatt said. “He instilled so many values in us, but one of the most impactful was teaching us that helping people is one of the most noble professions. He gave me the desire to commit my life to helping people achieve a healthier lifestyle, non of which would have been possible without him.” Tim Lehmann died Nov. 15, 2023, after suffering a heart attack, and now a community will come together to remember him and celebrate his life in a way that would make him proud. “I love it, and I love talking about my father,” Jessica said. “To recognize him at something he was so involved in and at a place where so many people loved and appreciated him will be at is perfect.” The first few months after losing someone close can be tough, but the Lehmanns are working through their pain through recollections and love. This is a chance for their guiding light to shine. “We are a very private people and a little uncomfortable with this happening, but we are pleased that he is being recognized this way,” Michelle said. “It’s really an honor.”

PECOS, Texas – Three years ago, Haley Sage arrived at the West of the Pecos Rodeo with a new mount. “I raised him,” she said of Pretzel, a 10-year-old gray gelding. “He’s by our stud. I trained him, too, and the first rodeo I ever rode him at was Pecos.” Now in their fourth year working this historic rodeo together, they’ve teamed together quite nicely. They made two runs Thursday – she was 4.2 seconds and sits in a tie for sixth in the opening round that occurred during the morning session, then she posted a 3.2-second run in the opening performance of the 141st rodeo for a tie for third place in the second round – to lead the aggregate race. “I came back and drew a better calf,” said Sage of Datil, New Mexico. “I love this rodeo. I’ve been here every year since you guys added breakaway. It’s a great setup, and I wish more were like it.” She began her roping career about 11 years ago, and it carried her to a rodeo scholarship at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. After college, she went back to her family’s place in eastern New Mexico, where she continues to help on the ranch. Over that stretch, the popularity of breakaway roping has surged. The first year it was added to ProRodeo was 2020, and the first National Finals Breakaway Roping took place in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo that December. The first world champion was Jackie Crawford, who has 22 other WPRA titles; the Oklahoma-raised cowgirl now living in Stephenville earned a little more than $47,000 that year. In a sport where dollars equal championship points, that was a strong starting point. Because the 2020 campaign was hampered by the COVID pandemic, total payouts were low in all events, but they were especially small in breakaway roping. In the years since, more rodeos are including the event in their schedules, and the money shows. This past year, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged set a new earnings mark with nearly $198,000. “I was just 18 when they started it, so I’ve grown with the WPRA,” Sage said. “We really just thank all the committees that are adding all the money and having us.” What has drawn the cowgirl to the sport? “It’s fast, and (it takes) good horses; I just love it,” she said, pointing to her powerful gray gelding who is now in the prime of his career. “He showed that. He’s a little bigger, and this is a little longer score, so (we) kind of excel here.” While Sage was fast in breakaway roping, the husband-wife tandem of Marcos Costa and Keyla Costa proved to be just as speedy. Marcos Costa, the 2016 tie-down roping world champion, posted a 10.0-second run to take second-round lead; he’s also atop the aggregate race with a two-run cumulative time of 22.2 seconds. Keyla Costa posted a 17.62-second run and leads the only round of barrel racing by two-tenths of a second. The competition at the “World’s First Rodeo” is just beginning, with three more nights of action before deciding this year’s West of the Pecos champions. West of the Pecos RodeoJune 26-29Bareback riding: 1. Cooper Filipek, 82.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Wilson Sanchez; 2. Kash Martin, 77; no other qualified rides. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Pedro Egurrola/Cory Petska and Riley Kittle/Will Woodfin, 6.7 seconds; 3. Clay Tryan/Blaine Vick, 8.1; 4. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.7; 5. Clay Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 12.6; 6. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 13.0; 7. Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan, 13.9; 8. Jhett Trenary/Jake South, 15.3. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torre, 6.2 seconds; 2. Peyton Walters/Brandon Gonzales, 6.7; 3. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 8.2; 4. Clayton Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 9.7; 5. Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan, 13.7; 6. Ben Jordan/ J.R. Gonzalez, 18.0; no other qualified runs.  Average leaders: 1. Coy Brittain/Michael Fortenberry, 16.9 seconds on two runs; 2. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 19.2; 3. Clayton Eggers/Joshua Smitherman, 22.3; 4. Peyton Walters/Brandon Gonzales, 24.4; 5. Hagen Peterson/Chase Tryan, 27.6; 6. (tie) Riley Kittle/Will Woodfin and Pedro Egurrola/Cory Petska, 6.7 seconds on one run; 8. Clay Tryan/Blaine Vick, 8.1.  Steer roping: First round leaders: 1. Cole Patterson, 12.9 seconds; 2. Cooper Mills, 14.0; 3. Marty Jones, 15.1; 4. J.D. Barnes, 19.6; 5. Paul Patton, 22.8; 6. Mark Milner, 24.7. Second round leaders: 1. Thomas Smith, 13.3; 2. Cooper Mills, 16.2; 3. Mark Milner, 17.2; 4. Keith Hudson, 19.2; 5. Ryne Hutton, 19.6; 6. Jody Rowland, 22.9. Third round leaders: 1. Cole Patterson, 11.2 seconds; 2. Cooper Mills, 14.9; 3. Mark Milner, 16.0; 4. J.D. Barnes, 20.0; 5. Marty Jones, 22.7; no other qualified runs; Average leaders: 1. Cooper Mills, 45.1 seconds on three runs; 2. Mark Milner, 57.9; 3. Cole Patterson, 24.1 seconds on two runs; 4. Marty Jones, 37.8; 5. J.D. Barnes, 39.6; 6. Thomas Smith, 13.3 seconds on one run; 7. Keith Hudson, 19.2; 8. Ryne Hutton, 19.6.   Saddle bronc riding: 1. Isaac Richard, 81.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s South Point Gambler; 2. Tom Webster, 81; 3. Gus Galliard, 78; 4. Darcy Radel, 77; 5. Ira Dickinson, 76.5; 6. Michael Womack, 75; no other qualified rides. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Tanner Green, 9.8 seconds; 2. Tyson Arledge, 10.3; 3. John Douch, 11.0; 4. Cody Burney, 11.9; 5. (tie) Marcos Costa and Trenton Smith, 12.2; 7. Word Hudson, 14.2; 8. Ryne Hutton, 14.4. Second round leaders: 1. Marcos Costa, 10.0 seconds; 2. Gio Piloto, 12.2; 3. Word Hudson, 12.4; 4. John Douch, 12.9; 5. Kolt Henderson, 13.0; 6. Weldon Watson, 13.9; 7. Ross Tucker, 15.5; 8. Austin Posey, 20.7. Average leaders: 1. Marcos Costa, 22.2 seconds on two runs; 2. John Douch, 23.9; 3. Word Hudson, 26.6; 4. Ross Tucker, 29.9; 5. Gio Piloto, 35.1; 6. Austin Posey, 44.0; 7. Tanner Green, 9.8 seconds on one run; 8. Tyson Arledge, 10.3. Breakaway roping: 1. Emilee Charlesworth, 3.1 seconds; 2. Hope Thompson, 3.4; 3. Jade Mitchell, 3.5; 4. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 3.8; 5. Kelsie Domer, 4.0; 6.  Continue Reading »

GUNNISON, Colo. – Organizers of the largest annual community event have been working diligently to include all facets of Cattlemen’s Days in one location. With that means making some changes, including the dates and general location of the Cattlemen’s Days carnival, set for Wednesday, July 3-Saturday, July 6, on the east side of Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. “When the county built the affordable-housing complex, they placed in the area where our carnival used to be,” said Tyler Hanson, first vice president of the Cattlemen’s Days committee. “We moved it off site last year, but we really wanted it to be at the fairgrounds. Changing the dates of our carnival was really the only way we could make that happen. “We’re having the carnival set up on the east side, just east of the arena and grandstands area. That’s going to allow for the best option to have the carnival at the fairgrounds and for easy access to the rides from all directions.” It’s a modification, but it’s one Cattlemen’s Days organizers hope will offer the best benefit to those that love the rides and attractions that come with the carnival. A year ago, St. Peter’s Catholic Church allowed the carnival to take place in an empty block it owns a few blocks north of the fairgrounds. By bringing it back to the fairgrounds, committee members hope to enhance the overall experience of Cattlemen’s Days while also helping promote all that happens during the exposition. From the livestock shows to the 4H projects to the award-winning PRCA rodeo, a great community event takes place inside that complex. “We’re bringing in G&S Shows as our new carnival provider and are very excited about what that company is going to bring to town,” said Brad Tutor, president of the volunteer committee. “Our goal as a committee is to have the best entertainment possible, and I think doing things this way gives us that chance this year.” The carnival will be open 5-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, and Friday, July 5, and 2-10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, and Saturday, July 6. “We understand this is an adjustment, so we put a lot of thought into how we handle the carnival this year,” Tutor said. “There will be things going on that first weekend, like the 4H horse show, the royalty tryouts and ranch rodeo, so the carnival should fit right into that schedule.”