Gearing up for PRCA rodeo action

Though scheduled for June, the time for bucking broncs and roping steers will be here before we know it.

Gayla Mead-Ellis said sponsorships are already coming in for the annual Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, this year scheduled for June 23-26.

The cost for the event is $73,000, Mead-Ellis explained, and that money goes to pay for stock and professional positions such as a secretary, timers, an announcer and pick up men. Because the rodeo is PRCA sponsored, personnel must be provided through the organization.

This year, Mead-Ellis noted, there is also a team-up with Powder River Rodeo, as they have some of the top bucking stock at the National Finals Rodeo.

Last year's rodeo saw over 250 contestants from across the U.S., as well as Australia and New Zealand. Mead-Ellis noted those coming from "down under" did so because their countries do not have professional rodeo organizations. Of course, she further added, the fans come from overseas as well, as far as Germany, Austria, France and England.

Among the big names that have come to the Thermopolis Rodeo are Joe Beaver, Bobby Welsh and Fallon Taylor.

The rodeo used to be similar to the one at Cheyenne's Frontier Days, Mead-Ellis said, and was very popular in the 1940s and '50s.

People born in the 1930's and '40's might remember when guards were posted at the fairgrounds, to discourage trespassers. Mead-Ellis noted there used to be trainloads of people run to enjoy the rodeo.

It brings people to town, she said, and efforts are being made to bring it back to what it used to be. The weekend event, she added, enhances the community, and there are efforts to make it a "super fun event."

However, the rodeo can't happen without sponsorship dollars. Mead-Ellis said there have been some fantastic sponsorships through businesses, and every penny helps.

Those who want to show their support and get some bang for their bucks can join The Wild Bunch. Mead-Ellis said this group is the lifeblood of the rodeo. Though not always known as The Wild Bunch, this group of supporters has been around since the 1930s. Membership is $250 per person and $500 per couple, paid annually. Benefits of being a member include preferred seating at both rodeo performances, dinners prior to performances, rodeo kick-off barbeques, a post-rodeo dinner and hay ride, and "fun nights."

Membership to The Wild Bunch is available online at http://www.thermopoliscowboyrendezvous.com/wildbunchnew.htm.

Rodeo performance each night begins at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds.