Rodeo crowds "tame"

There were more police on the roads than drunk drivers during rodeo weekend in Sisters. Sisters Police reported only two DUII citations for the weekend, and the county had six.

"It went very well. We didn't have any major fights or disturbances," said acting Police Chief Rich Shawver of the rodeo parties in town.

Shawver said officers reported that Friday night was very quiet, with parking spaces available downtown at 11 p.m. On Saturday, it was much the same, although there were about three times as many folks in town, according to some reports.

Sheriff Greg Brown had 19 deputies at the rodeo grounds over the weekend, including two mounted officers and a sergeant. Two traffic officers patrolled the highway.

About 12 county reserves donated their time and came into Sisters on Saturday evening after the last performance of the day.

"When we have more visibility, the fewer problems we have," Sheriff Brown said.

In addition to the six DUIIs, the county handed out 13 citations to minors for possession of alcohol, there was one warrant arrest, one arrest for an assault at the rodeo grounds, and one arrest for a stolen vehicle.

Sheriff Brown, who worked at the rodeo for a while over the weekend, said he has seen a "change in the crowd (at rodeos). It is much more family-oriented" than in the past.