Volunteers make Sisters Rodeo happen

Sisters Rodeo is one of the most successful rodeos in the Columbia River Circuit - and on the West Coast. The rodeo produces an extremely popular four-day event, run as efficiently as a hospital and as crisply as a Las Vegas stage show.

The rodeo's board of directors says, without qualification, that it is because of the willingness of 200 members who volunteer their time on Saturdays, beginning in March, to do repairs, build new features and maintain the grounds. Then they do their real job, volunteering at the rodeo.

At the last general meeting, President Glenn Miller expressed his appreciation to the 120 members present: "I am so proud of this membership. We have had 50 to 80 multi-talented people at every work party since mid-March, and the results are really impressive."

The organization has replaced more bleacher seating this year than in any previous year. Though the crew was often chilled to the bone, the weather made it possible to start this annual project early.

"We have an exceptional group in the guys who do this work every year," said Curt Kallberg, vice president and construction manager. He calls this team The Four Horsemen, a group of retired men who found their niche at the rodeo and keep the stands safe for rodeo spectators.

"It's rare that we miss a replacement," said Kallberg, "but sometimes the weather just doesn't allow us the time we need. This year, it's a done deal."

There is also a dedicated group of painters, five to eight women who do touch-up along with new and maintenance painting for three months before the rodeo.

"It's that first impression of fresh paint and cleanliness that enhances the welcome to our spectators," said Kallberg. "I don't think I've been to any other rodeo that presents a better face to the public."

New irrigation lines have been added, with an upgrade of the system over the last two years. "There is now a line to the contestant camping area that gives them access to water for their livestock without walking across 20 acres to get it," explained John Rogers, grounds maintenance director. "We've also added new lighting at the entrance for safety and ease in finding vehicles in the dark of night."

The rodeo store, now called the Rodeo Trading Post, has been enlarged so guests can purchase items quickly and get back to the rodeo. A new advantage for the association is a merchandise booth at Ray's Food Place. The added marketing, created by board member Keith Sweeney and manager Patty Cordoni, will make it easy for local people and tourists to buy rodeo T-shirts, jackets and sweatshirts whenever they shop, all year long.

There is also a new plaza section next to a newly constructed storage building. In its third year, the plaza has had more demand than seating availability. The ticket office advises that there may be some plaza and box seats available for this year, and three-year ownership of box seats are offered to purchase for Fridays and Sundays.

Seating space for people with disabilities has been extended to accommodate the growing need for those particular rodeo fans. Tickets for this area must be specified when tickets are purchased. Several yards of concrete have been poured for better access at the clubhouse ticket gate for both people with disabilities and the general public.

On the business side, the ticket office reports an increase in ticket sales by several thousand compared to last year. While many rodeos are finding themselves in financial difficulty, Sisters continues to grow with new sponsors, advertisers and fans.

The goal of the association is to present an entertaining and well-tuned rodeo that draws both world-class contestants and fans who appreciate the best that PRCA rodeos can offer. After 71 years, the membership of Sisters Rodeo continues to prove they know how to get that done.

The Sisters PRCA Rodeo will feature four performances on June 10-12. Tickets may be purchased at the rodeo office at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or by calling 541-549-0121 or 800-827-7522. For more information visit http://www.sistersrodeo.com.