Rodeo will draw big names

Two of the country's top rodeo bullfighters, an award-winning clown and two popular rodeo announcers will be participating in the 63rd annual Sisters PRCA Rodeo on June 13-15, according to Cathy Williams of the Sisters Rodeo Association.

Rob Smets and Rowdy Barry will once again fight the bulls during four rodeo performances with help from rodeo clown and specialty act Troy Lerwill. Curt Robinson returns as announcer for the rodeo and Boyd Polhamus will join him, making his first appearance at the Sisters Rodeo.

Smets, dubbed "the Kamikaze Kid" and formerly from Roseburg, Oregon, now hails from Shamrock, Texas. He is a five-time Wrangler World Champion Bullfighter and a 17-time National Finals Wrangler Bullfighter. Smets has performed at many national rodeos during his 25 years in the bullfighting business.

Barry comes from Kennewick, Washington, and is a 17-year veteran of the PRCA. He has worked both the National Finals and National High School Finals rodeos. Barry's trademark is that he wears no clown makeup to help focus the audience's attention on his athletic ability to protect bull riders in the arena.

Lerwill, a native of Utah, will be this year's clown and featured entertainment. As "The Wild Child," he will perform his motorcycle act at all four rodeo performances.

Robinson grew up on his grandparents' wheat ranch near Fossil, Oregon, and now lives in Pendleton. He has been with the PRCA for 27 years.

For more information call 549-0121.