64th Sisters Rodeo draws big crowds

The bucking events always provide the greatest excitement at the Sisters Rodeo. photo by Jeff Sperber Huge crowds turned out to cheer for the top cowboys and cowgirls in the 64th Sisters Rodeo last weekend.

Blair Burke took All-Around Cowboy honors, winning $2,546.25 in tie-down roping and team roping. Mike Beers of Powell Butte turned in a stellar performance to claim second place winnings of $1,415.71 through his combined scores in those same events.

Mike and Brandon Beers took first place in the team roping competition's second go-round.

Though the nights were chilly, the weather was mostly cooperative and rodeo officials were pleased with the turnout and the caliber of the event. The parade featured many high-quality entries and hundreds of people were on hand to witness it.

"I don't think I've ever seen that many people on the street for the parade," said Rodeo Association member Curt Kallberg.

Kids at the rodeo got a particular thrill out of watching rodeo clown Burt Davis perform with his dogs (see related story).

But, as always, it was the action in the arena that captured the crowds' attention.

Clay Maier of Sisters performed the "Friesian Spectacular" during the Sisters Rodeo intermission. The huge, beautiful horses performed nimble acrobatics and jumps. photo by Jeff Sperber

John Green of Pendleton won the steer wrestling second go-round and $1,528.39 with a blazing time of 4.4 seconds. However, Rhett Kennedy's combined score of 9.9 in two go-rounds gave the Chowchilla, California, cowboy the buckle and $2,872.31.

Shane Gordon of Fort Jones, California took bull riding honors with a score of 85, while Rose Miller of Moses Lake, Washington put together a 17.76 to win the barrel racing event.

Several local cowboys got into the money.

Johnny Hammack of Redmond scored 75 in saddle bronc riding to earn $881.72.

Bobby Mote of Redmond continued his high level of performance with a fifth-place 77 in bareback bronc riding. He earned $1,059.

Bareback rider Clint Corey earned $151.32 on a 72-point ride, matched by Jason Havens of Bend.

The team of Charly Crawford and Dean Tuftin earned a total of $1,139.26 with a sixth place finish in team roping.

Hayden Reece of Powell Butte scored an 84 in bull riding to pull in $3,284.03.

Beard Rodeo Contractors again provided the stock, which earned high praise from both performers and audience.

Though the rodeo will turn 65 next year, Sisters' most venerable event is far from retirement.

In fact, those attending said the volunteer-run event just keeps getting better with age.