Work parties fix up the bleachers

The first official work party at Sisters Rodeo grounds found nine men replacing board walkways in the bleachers with permanent aluminum surfaces.

Safety concerns along with physical demands required imagination and creative planning.

"Some of us have been out here all week," said board member Frank Jacobsen. "This project had to be well organized before we started."

The rodeo association has been replacing weathered bleacher boards every year after a dedicated crew examines their stability, usually resulting in about $10,000 in annual expenses in lumber and hardware. Even with such caution, the rodeo sometimes had to do emergency replacements during a busy rodeo week, when fans found themselves stepping on boards that cracked. There has never been an injury, however, thanks to this maintenance.

"The initial outlay of the aluminum is expensive," Jacobsen noted, "but the long-term savings and safety for our fans will offset this in the future."

The crew, also weathered by years of heavy lifting up and down 14 rows of seating, is also happy to install this permanent solution.

"We need to see some of our younger members here to do the heavy lifting," said Jacobsen. This year, the goal is to have the two major sections of bleachers in aluminum walkways by June. That is 11,832 lineal feet of boards to remove and aluminum to install.

On other areas of the grounds, small crews began raking and cleaning the staging area and flower beds. The paint crew walked the grounds and made lists of what cosmetic enhancements will be done over the next three months.

Maintaining the function and beauty of the rodeo setting is a prime focus for Sisters Rodeo Association. Members express pride in presenting a venue that is welcoming and fluid in function. The association has work parties every Saturday, adding Tuesday evenings later in the spring, until the rodeo begins June 10.

"We have a reputation for presenting a fast-paced rodeo with no dull moments," said Vice President Chris Schaad, "and we are rewarded every time someone compliments us for this and for our beautiful setting."

Sisters Rodeo will begin June 10 with Xtreme Bulls followed by four rodeo performances June 12-14. For tickets and information, call the ticket hotline at 541-549-0121 or 1-800-827-7522, or visit the ticket office at 220 W. Cascade Ave. in Sisters. For information visit www.sistersrodeo.com.