The Fence Post magazine has published my full article and photos on their website (and soon in their print edition) about the upcoming 2021 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo (June 03-06) in Elizabeth, CO.
Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo president Traci McClain took the time to sit down and talk with me during one of their volunteer work days at the rodeo grounds. It was rough for them to have to cancel 2020’s rodeo, but they are really looking forward to starting it up again this year.
Former PRCA world champion Kelly Timberman not only won the 2017 bareback competition with this 87.5-point ride aboard Summit Pro Rodeo’s “Revolving Door;” he also shattered the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo’s previous arena record of 86 points.
After being forced to cancel their world famous rodeo in 2020, Cheyenne Frontier Days, “The Daddy of ‘Em All!” will return in 2021 (July 23-August 01) with the 125th running at the historic Wyoming venue.
I missed the rodeo when it didn’t run last year, and I look forward to heading back up to Cheyenne this year in July when it returns with a bang.
I thought I would attach some photos of mine taken during some past CFD rodeos. I hope you enjoy.
Wade Sundell didn’t let the rain bother him on his way to a 90-point ride and a buckle aboard Frontier Rodeo’s Maple Leaf in 2013’s CFD championship round.
Texas cowboy Scott Kormos won the coveted Tie Down Roping title at the 2013 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo.
Richie Champion won the 2014 CFD bareback title by making one of the most memorable rides in Cheyenne history aboard Dirty Jacket for a 91-point score.
Utah cowboy Stetson Wright brought the house down with this near record 93-point ride aboard a bull named Safety Meeting to win the 2019 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo title.
Colorado barrel racer Shali Lord and Can Man blast towards the third barrel on their way to a 17.22-second time and a tie for 2019 Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo title.
Just a few photos from some past CFD rodeos. I hope you liked them. I know I am looking forward to getting back there in 2021!
2021 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo is ready to go for June 03-06, 2021
Forced to cancel the 2020 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo in Elizabeth, CO, rodeo organizers were faced with more unknowns in the beginning of 2021, but they rolled up their sleeves and secured 150% of sponsorships they had in the past. It was a strategy that allowed them to move forward.
“We did it,” said Elizabeth Stampede President Traci McClain. “We got 50% more sponsors than we have ever had in the past — 150% of normal. The community really stepped up. They reached out and supported us in a big way.”
With the state of Colorado dropping mask mandates in May and declaring other coronavirus state public health orders will expire June 01, Stampede officials are looking forward to a busy rodeo, albeit one with safety measures and precautions in place.
“We want everyone to be safe,” added McClain. “I think we have the safeguards in place that we need to do to make it safe for our participants – contestants, spectators, contractors, everybody – to allow them to make choices.”
Kicking off with a concert on Thursday night (June 03) that features three entertainers or, as Stampede organizers like to call it, “A Trio of Talent” — the three dynamic up-and-comers are making a splash in the music scene: Dillon Carmichael, Lainey Wilson, and Kameron Marlowe.
Friday night is bull riding and is annually sold out in advance of the rodeo, and Saturday night’s PRCA rodeo is annually sold out in advance, as well. The afternoon performances on Saturday and Sunday traditionally have solid crowds, but walk up tickets can usually be purchased. Don’t miss out on Sunday afternoon’s Red, White & Blue Rodeo, which features a love of all things USA and honors those who have served and are serving in our nation’s armed forces.
The Elizabeth Stampede’s Blazing Saddles drill team impressed the crowd with a patriotic routine during Sunday afternoon’s Red, White and Blue Rodeo (June 05, 2016).
“Life, Liberty and Rodeo,” summed up McClain in reference to a new trademarked slogan and apparel design they have come up with for 2021’s rodeo. “That is our guiding principle, this year.”
For more information on the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo or to purchase tickets for the concert or any of the rodeo performances, check out their website at https://www.elizabethstampede.com/
It appears the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR or NFR) may be leaving Las Vegas after 30 years and head to Osceola, FL. Multiple news reports discuss the possibility:
The NFR moved from Oklahoma City nearly 30 years ago to Las Vegas and many people thought it would never work. Now it might move to Florida and, again, many people think it won’t work. Florida is offering four million dollars more than the current Vegas contract. That extra four million means more money for the contestants, which is where it should go. It is estimated Vegas reaps about ninety million dollars over the ten-day event that draws between 150,000-200,000 people to the city. It’s no wonder Florida is making a serious run to be the future host.
Personally, I’ve never attended the NFR in Vegas because I’m leery of the underbelly of Vegas – organized crime, prostitution, gambling addiction, etc. I once turned down a good job offer because it would have required me to be in Vegas for a couple of weeks every year. Vegas can try all it wants to paint itself as “family friendly,” but even its motto and commercials of “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” contradicts that effort. It’s just a personal thing to not want to be there. I understand plenty of people enjoy Vegas and don’t see a downside to the city.
The thing is, I write for several magazines that would love to have stories and photos from the NFR, but I could never bring myself to go. If it does move out of Vegas, there’s a good chance I’ll finally attend and get those stories and photos their way!
Have a great day and don’t let your horse come home without ya!
It’s a cold, snowy day outside, so my brain went searching for memories of warmer days. Of course, warm days meant summertime – summertime meant rodeo – and then rodeo meant the world famous Cheyenne Frontier Days – which meant thinking back on the time I spent this year photographing that rodeo for a magazine or two.
Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) has a “photographer’s pit” at the back of their large outdoor arena. It’s like a concrete bunker where the professional photographers covering the rodeo walk down a number of steps to enter. The location brings us eye level with the arena sand, which makes for some spectacular photo opportunities. I was able to get a number of shots this year that I really liked, and a couple of them were turned into cover photos for The Fence Post magazine’s regional issues – one for Colorado and the other for Nebraska. Since I was thinking of them, I thought I’d share them here, as well.
(Above) Tie Down Roper Scott Kormos pocketed $19,462 from the 2013 CFD, making him the rodeo’s top money winner.
(Above) Nebraska saddle bronc cowboy Cort Scheer earned 4th place overall after successfully riding Thunderstruck in the championship round.
See how the brain can work? It’s freezing outside, but I’ve got summertime memories to keep things warm.
Have a great day and don’t let your horse come home without ya!
Lincoln
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