The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters Rodeo Association kicked off its 2007 season with a rousing social hour, dinner and meeting on Tuesday evening, February 13 at the organization's clubhouse on the rodeo grounds.

The fare was a combination of chef Hans Teufl's main course of beef burgundy and noodles with an array of appetizer, salad and dessert creations offered by the association's leading ladies. Everything from barbecued spare ribs to a delicate, truly old-fashioned, homemade cherry pie was there for the asking.

As tummies were full and conversation quieted, the voice of rodeo president Glenn Miller filled the room: "There's a lot of new faces here, but of course I've been around for 100 years."

Miller then asked the approximately 100 people in attendance to introduce themselves one-by-one.

Dorro Sokol announced that she has been a part of the group for 36 years, and Patty Vandiver remarked that she has been a supporter for 30 years. Frank Halvorsen from Bad Ass Coffee Company commented that he was in attendance as a prospective member.

Homer Shaw reflected that he has been involved for about 40 years. Angela Phillips presented herself as a new member, and Harold Evans commented that he has been involved for two years.

Another new member who called himself Zac jested, "I don't own a barn or a horse or obviously a hat."

On a more serious note, president Miller announced that the Kiesner family act will perform at all four 2007 rodeo performances and in the parade.

"They're roping, and they really have a unique act; it's different," Miller said. To a background of cheers and applause, Miller announced that the association has hired the "One Arm Bandit" for a third repeat appearance at the 2008 rodeo.

Association members regularly donate their time and energy. Work parties are held regularly.

"We're an all volunteer organization. We have one paid employee, and that's our bookkeeper, and that's why we are able to do so many community support things," board member Bonnie Malone said.

Constantly upgrading the rodeo grounds is of utmost importance to the association, and this year is no exception. The arena has been improved by digging into the soil some 18 inches and removing all of the rocks.

"So for the next couple of years, we probably won't have to go out there with wheel barrels and dig out rock anymore," Miller said.

This spring, work parties will complete the project by leveling the ground and raising the buckin' chutes.

The association is also expanding its clubhouse to provide more space for the rodeo secretary.

"That's another project. It's not an all member project; it's going to be a select member - somebody that knows what they are doing on building. ... It's just a little addition onto the clubhouse," Miller said.

The rodeo has taken a big step this year in upping the ante that the rodeo adds to the entry fees contestants pay for each event. In the past, the association has added $7,500 per event; this year $8,500 will be added per event for each of seven events.

"The reason we do it is the more money you add to a purse, the bigger the rodeo, the better contestants you get. ... Even at $7,500 per event, we have been the biggest rodeo in the nation ... that weekend," Miller said.

At $8,500 per event, the Sisters Rodeo will additionally be the third largest rodeo in the State of Oregon.

In 2006, the Sisters Rodeo was picked as the "Rodeo of the Year" by the Columbia River Circuit that includes Washington, Oregon and Northern Idaho. The Sisters Rodeo is all professional. It has no amateur events except the wild horse race.

Association work parties will start after March's monthly meeting. Association members are reminded to send dues to Yvette Moore, Sisters Rodeo Association, P. O. Box 1018, Sisters, OR 97759. New members are always welcome. For more information about the Sisters Rodeo go to sistersrodeo.com.