News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Bull riding action thrilled packed arenas.
Sisters Rodeo traditionally brings the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world to town, and matches them up against the best stock the rodeo world has to offer. But as announcer Wayne Brooks often points out, it's the fans that make Sisters Rodeo "The Biggest Little Show in the World."
Fans welcomed Sisters' 73rd annual rodeo under sunny skies and warm temperatures. There were certainly a lot of them. Rodeo association member Bonnie Malone reported that "we broke attendance and sales records this weekend and for the first time had to turn people away on Saturday - the parking lot was too full for anymore standing room sales."
Norm and Zelma Villines from Sweet Home arrived early for the 1 p.m. Saturday show.
"We've been to most of the rodeos in Oregon. This is our fourth time here and Sisters is the best one for us. This is what the rodeo is all about," said Villines. "We always get our tickets early in the mail.
"We have horses, and our kids are horse trainers. Your love for horses never goes away," Villines added.
Vocalist Peggy Tehan rode in on an award-winning black Friesian to perform The Star Spangled Banner.
The crowd went wild when Cody Wright of Milford, Utah, tied the arena record in saddle bronc riding with an 87-point ride on his way to a $4,645 payday. Trevor Knowles turned in a blistering 3.7-second run in the second go-round of steer wrestling, the second-fastest time ever.
Fans know that the rodeo brings you more thrills and spills, more intense competition and more edge-of-your-seat action than any other sport.
"I've been coming here for 18 years and we always sit in the front row," says Teddi from Lompoc, California.
"One year a bucking horse jumped right over the fence in front of me. Luckily the cowboys caught the horse by the bathrooms.
"I really enjoy the patriotism here. The national anthem is really moving," she added.
Rodeo isn't just a sport, it's a lifestyle. Rodeo enthusiasts may be the most dedicated fans in the world of sports. Fans seem to be the music for the rodeo performers.
It was the second time at the rodeo for Starla Ambrose from Springfield, Oregon.
"It's just great people, great riders and great fun. I grew up near here and love coming back, it never changes."
Even without a cloud in the sky you could hear the sound of thunder approaching.
Percheron Thunder is a Roman riding act with Jason Goodman handling six huge black Percheron draft horses. He rides them standing on the back of the last two horses, gaining speed as he goes. He wants the public to be exposed to the amazing speed and gymnastic abilities of these horses. The horses are not hitched together; Goodman handles each through the reins. The crowd response showed the appreciation fans had for the beautiful animals and the teamster's daring and
skill.
While the cowboys and cowgirls and stock contractors bring their professionalism to the arena, other staff make sure the event runs smoothly - and safely.
The training and skill of the staff at a rodeo is an important factor in keeping the fans safe.
Hal Evans has worked security at Sisters Rodeo for 10 years.
"Security provides a multitude of things, and one is making sure nobody in the turnout section is on the fence," he said. "We don't want anyone to get hurt."
For many, Sisters Rodeo is a longstanding tradition.
Carolyn Downer, from Phoenix, Arizona, is a longtime fan. She's been coming to the rodeo since 1960.
"We make it an annual event and stay for three days," she said. "We just love it, especially the bull riding. Besides, the best-looking cowboys live in Sisters."
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