Rodeo rocks Sisters

Sisters Rodeo is as notable for its variable weather as it is for the world-class competitors drawn to the large purse it offers.

This year, the 69th for the venerable event, was no different. Friday night found competitors slogging through several inches of mud, after a torrential rain that stopped about five minutes before the grand entry. It may have affected performances but it didn't stop the crowd from appreciating them. Rodeo clown and barrel man JJ Harrison made sure the atmosphere was upbeat.

Saturday dawned cloudy but warm, perfect conditions for the annual downtown parade. Shiny horses, shimmering rodeo queens and slicked out cars entertained the large crowd that lined Cascade Avenue.

R&B Ranch of Sisters provided the carriage to accommodate the Rodeo Grand Marshalls, a duty shared by long-time and beloved volunteers, Pat Page and Eula Curtis. They traveled in a phaeton pulled by two black Percheron geldings.

The parade included a variety of entries that varied from a tow truck to a puppy paddy wagon, various business entries and plenty of horses. Children along the way were treated to a variety of candies. It may seem like parades are the stuff of childhood memories but The Nugget noticed many mature faces in the crowd.

Rodeo crowds enjoyed cooler weather on Saturday with no rain to mar the performances. A new arena record in saddle bronc riding was set, and broken on Saturday, with Jesse Kruse of Great Falls, Montana, winning the event with a score of 86.

The All-Around buckle was won by Steven Dent from Mullen, Nebraska, for his scores of 83 points in both bareback and saddle bronc riding.

Sunday again saw sunny skies and a nearly full house. An appreciative crowd watched the livestock win some rounds with no-times and no-scores in several events.

Specialty act, Tomas Garcilazo, thrilled the crowds with his excellent horsemanship and rope artistry. He treated Sunday's audience to a performance with his beautiful gray Azteca horse.

Announcers Curt Robinson, in the booth, and Wayne Brooks, on horseback in the arena, made sure fans were well informed throughout the show. They dug into their arsenals of contestant information and trivia, providing commentary to make the contestants more than just a flash through the arena.

The Sisters Rodeo runs like clockwork, with a cadre of volunteers who get the job done with a smile. There were visitors from around the country and across oceans sitting in the stands at each performance, making memories of Sisters this weekend at the rodeo grounds.