A new view at the rodeo

When attending the 15th annual Thermopolis Cowboy Rendezvous PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Rodeo on June 21 and 22, people will have an new way to view the action, via a mobile screen that will not only show what’s happening in the arena but instant replays as well. The screen, which will help those who might have their view block by the grandstand structure, also provides a different venue for sponsors rather than the regular programs.

Heather Hayes said the theme of the rodeo this year is “Wyoming Needs More Cowboys,” with Tough Enough to Wear Pink on Friday, June 21 and Patriotic Night on Friday, June 22. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear pink Friday in support of cancer fighters and survivors, and wear red, white and blue on Saturday in honor of all military, law enforcement and first responders.

The parade at 10 a.m. Saturday along Sixth Street will also recognize those first responders, military and law enforcement, and red, white and blue dress and float decorations are encouraged.

For the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event Friday night, Hayes said they are working on various events for the evening to raise money for cancer patients, to help with expenses such as food and travel.

Gate will open at 5 p.m. each day for vendor alley, with rodeo action beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hayes said there will be some different vendors this year, as well as many familiar stands.

Also new to the rodeo this year are the working dog trials, right after the parade on Saturday, taking place of the Chuck Mead Memorial Pack Horse Race. A course will be set up for the dogs with three to four obstacles such as a chute along the fence, barrels or a cross, in which the dogs have to drive sheep in one way and bring them out the other. Vendor alley will also be open during the dog trials, so come on out!

During the dog trial competition, the handler will be at one end of the arena, the sheep at the other. The dog has to bring the sheep across the arena to the handler before directing them through the obstacles, which will vary based on handler experience. The grand finale includes loading the sheep into a trailer or pen, and aside from opening the gate on such obstacles the trainers cannot move.

The competition includes three classes: Open, for the more experienced handlers; Open Ranch/Nursery for those who do working dog trials occasionally; and Novice/Ranch for those who haven’t run trial before. Money purses will be awarded in each class.

New faces will be helping out at the arena as well, with announcer Brent Jordan this year. A third generation member of the PRCA, Jordan grew up around rodeo watching both his father and mother compete. Throughout his youth the sport was a big part of his life and he knew it would be his passion into his adult life.

There will also be a new rodeo clown/barrel man with Keith Isley, who has won a multitude of awards for being a PRCA Comedy Act of the Year and Specialty Act of the Year. Hayes noted he does an entertaining act with his horse.

Stock for the rodeo will still be provided through Powder River Rodeo and Derek Barton is returning as sound man.

Though the rodeo action ends Saturday night, stick around for the dance after with live music from Rattlesnake Ridge. The dance will be outside at the fairgrounds, but will be moved inside at the fair building in inclement weather.

Rodeo tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for kids 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free. Sponsorships for the rodeo will be taken through June 1. To sponsor the rodeo, or for more information, contact Hayes at 921-0927 or TJ Owsley at 921-0534.