Rodeo finals offer thrills, spills and fun

If you're a rodeo fan, the Sisters Rodeo Grounds was the place to be September 18-21. Attending the Northwest Pro Rodeo Association finals felt like a big family party all weekend.

This rodeo has more than the usual rodeo events. There's additional roping and barrel racing competitions and a chopper motorcycle race. Concerts, breakfast and a banquet round out the program. It's a place for families, friends and fun.

On Friday night, it was also a place for drama when one of the steer wrestlers left the arena in an ambulance. The rider's steer cut in front of his horse, sending horse and rider pinwheeling into the air.

The rider lay unmoving on the arena for some minutes as paramedics assessed his condition. The rodeo stands fell silent as fans looked on with concern.

The story had a happy ending. The rider's injuries weren't serious, said organizer Ryder Gauteraux.

"He's OK. He's a tough one," Gauteraux said.

The rodeo was also a place for laughter as top rodeo clown J.J. Harrison entertained in his unique, high-energy fashion.

It was not a place for the unprepared as a thunderstorm let loose a downpour in the middle of the barrel racing competition on Friday night. Umbrellas sprouted, perhaps not wisely with lightning flashing overhead. Many spectators hunkered under the grandstands while the plucky barrel racers continued with the event.

Those who came with jackets and blankets ventured back into the stands for the conclusion of the rodeo. Afterward, they were entertained at a concert by Little McKay Creek, a rowdy band from Pendleton.

Saturday afternoon's performance concluded the rodeo for competitors from all over the Northwest. Central Oregon was well represented in every event.

"It's a different feel to this rodeo because it's a final," said Gauteraux. "There's a combination of pressure and the last chance to win a lot of money."

Little McKay Creek entertained again after Saturday's competition, and Leif James held the stage in the evening. Competitors and spectators alike were given plenty of opportunity to celebrate or commiserate the end of the NPRA season.