Sisters Rodeo presents famous act

Last updated May 19, 2009 12:0pm0

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The Sisters Rodeo Association is presenting the renowned Tomas Garcilazo as its specialty act at the 69th annual Sisters Rodeo. His is part of the proud Mexican tradition of La Charreria, a skilled performance of horsemanship and rope artistry.

Garcilazo, a native of Mexico City, is a third-generation Charro. He has performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center. He was a popular entry in the Pasadena Rose Parade this year and was also named Specialty Act of the Year at National Finals Rodeo in 2007.

Training of a Charro and his horses takes a lifetime of preparation, discipline and patience. It is typically a family heritage. Garcilazo, a frequent winner in Charro competitions, displays these skills while demonstrating "maguay" rope artistry, part of the Charro tradition.

Tomas Garcilazo was a member of the Will Rogers Follies, a six-time Tony Award winning Broadway show. His European tours included two years with the Disney Wild West Show in Paris and the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show in the Netherlands and Germany. He has performed numerous times for several Mexican presidents.

The athlete, rope trick artist and talented horseman will perform at all four rodeo events the second week in June. He will also entertain children at Sisters Elementary School on Friday, June 12.

Tickets for Sisters Rodeo, June 12-14, are available at the rodeo ticket office, 220 E. Cascade Ave. or by calling 549-0121 or 1-800-827-7522.

Sisters Rodeo shows strong ticket sales

The economic downturn has not affected ticket sales for Sisters Rodeo, according to Cathy Williams, managing director of the ticket office.

"We already have guests coming from England this year, and we often have rodeo fans from Europe and Asia. We've had lots of early tickets purchases from Montana, Utah, California and of course our neighbors in Washington and Idaho," she said. "Our many Willamette Valley friends seem to be returning, too."

The ticket office begins its sales promotions in December, when the volunteer staff send mailers to previous ticket holders. There is immediate response from fans across the map, hoping to renew their favorite bleacher seats.

"Rodeo fans really like our rodeo because it is run so efficiently," Williams said. "It's all rodeo, no gimmicks or fair-like vendors. True rodeo fans appreciate that."

Family Night, Friday, June 12, tickets are pre-selling more than they historically do. This may be a reflection of families taking advantage of lower ticket prices this year, while planning less-costly vacations around the rodeo.

Sisters Rodeo has the highest purse of any rodeo in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit in June. That encourages world champions and the best in the sport to include it in their schedules for a chance to win substantial money and boost their points.

"We also have a spectacular setting," Williams stated, "so competitors often bring their families for the added attraction of Sisters Country."

Along with ticket sales, the ticket office has retail rodeo merchandise, from caps to cups.

The office, located at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Sunday, or call 549-1021 or 1-800-827-7522. The office will close Friday, June 12, at noon. Available tickets may then be purchased at the rodeo grounds before each performance.