Lamar Hosts State High School Rodeo Assoc. Finals

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Lamar will host the annual Colorado State High School Rodeo Association Finals at the Prowers County Fairgrounds this weekend.  Over 144 contestants will check in by Wednesday, June 5, according to Association President, Hank Williams.  Contestants and their families, an estimated 350 persons, will check in their RVs and trailers at the fairgrounds through the day and attend the mandatory meeting and ice cream social at the LCC Wellness Center at 8pm.  This year’s rodeo will be the first of a two year agreement between the City of Lamar and the Association.  Williams added, “Cities around the state can bid on the right to be a host city for a two year term.”  Lamar has hosted the event before and several years ago, Craig, CO got the nod. 

This is the first year as president for Williams who was first to arrive at the fairgrounds on Tuesday.  “It’s been a lot of gratifying work, sometimes a little more than I expected, even though I’ve served on the board for several years.”  The board is comprised of six adult and six student members.  The contest is open to qualifying high school students between the 9^th grade and seniors. 

First Go Rounds will be held on Thursday with a first performance at 10am and a second one at 7pm.  A third and fourth performance on the second go rounds will be held at 10am and 7pm on Saturday and the championship round will take place Sunday, June 9 at 10am and will be followed with an awards ceremony and banquet at the LCC Wellness Center.  The center will also serve as a shower station for those contestants who don’t have a motel room or equipped RV.  “Some of our contestants, like the bull riders, don’t need horses, so they just come and pitch a tent, but by the end of their day, they’re happy to have a shower waiting for them, “Williams explained.  “You can really see the difference in the way the drought has hit this area,” he added.  “We drove in from Norwood where we’re experiencing a drought, but we’ve got some green.  Once you head down the highway from Pueblo, all you see is very dry and brown territory.” 

Not all the activities will be rodeo oriented for contestants and families.  The Lamar Chamber of Commerce, some of the retailers and other businesses are working to put together a welcome package for each contestant.  Bobbi Ketels, chamber secretary, said there are information brochures about the community, an outline of some of our attractions as well as discount coupons from some of the stores.  Ketels and a volunteer were stuffing the guest bags on Tuesday afternoon. 

Bowling will be available at Lamar Lanes on Thursday afternoon, a free swim day at the pool will run from 1pm to 5pm, and a senior night and a talent show have been scheduled for Friday.  After the 10am Go Round on Saturday, the contestants can enjoy a 1pm BBQ and adjourn into a general membership meeting and election at the Centennial Building at the fairground.  Time has been set aside for families and contestants to do some local shopping and dine at a restaurant or view some of the sights around the city. 

Williams said he’s happy to see the lineup of social events and appreciates the work of the local chamber and member businesses for the annual championship rodeo. 

By Russ Baldwin