Rodeo announcer brings family on the road

Rodeo contestants have a nomadic outlook as they cover great distances in their quest for the prize money. It's not surprising that the rest of the rodeo team - the bull fighters, stock contractors and announcers - share that same gypsy spirit.

Some of them make it a family affair, spending the summer season in an RV, traveling a circuit chosen months ahead of time. Wayne Brooks, horseback announcer for the Sisters Rodeo, does just that. The Brooks family, Wayne; wife Melanie; daughters Taylor, 14 and Sheridan, 12; and son, Ace, six, spend summers in a 38-foot motor home - and wouldn't have it any other way.

The traveling started when Taylor was six months old, and the children don't know any other way to spend the summer. Taylor said, "I'd much rather be doing this than being bored at home."

There's little time or inclination for this family to be bored. Some weeks there's time to mosey to the next rodeo, other weeks it's pedal to the metal to go the distance. On the quick trips, the family has a repertoire of travel games involving livestock and wildlife spotting, learning about the culture and foods of the state they're traveling to, and planning activities.

The last few years have seen the Brooks choosing the same circuit, so they know their favorite spots to play and shop. When the family hits Sisters, they head to Leavitt's for some retail therapy, and enjoy browsing the other stores in town. After the rodeo, Haystack Rock on the Oregon coast is a must-go place. Taylor entertains thoughts of being a marine biologist - and many kids in Texas, where the family hails from, never get to see a wild and free coastline.

Sheridan thinks that being a rodeo queen would be nice. She's rubbed shoulders with a variety of rodeo royalty in her years on the road, and she certainly has the right smile for the job. For now, she too is content with their gypsy summers.

Ace, at six years old and with a mischievous grin, just wants to play with his buddies.

For the Brooks family, this is normal family life. Melanie's mother warned that the children, especially the girls, would one day tire of all the travel. Both Taylor and Sheridan look disbelieving at the statement, saying, "We're OK with it (the travel)."

They're OK with not hanging out with their school friends in the summer, because they have friends all around the rodeo circuit. They're OK with not showing 4-H steers, because the other livestock that they might be interested in shows through the school year.

They're OK with being cooped up in a motor home all summer because they get to see and experience nearly every western state and parts of Canada, plus they get to spend big chunks of time with their dad and mom. And yes, they enjoy that.

Melanie says that during the school year, the family scatters to their various activities. The girls play sports and are dedicated scholars.

Ace just wants to play with his buddies. Wayne announces at rodeos year-round, flying to events during the school year.