Article Contributed on: 4/23/2008 1:22:05 PM
An annual gathering of aspiring professional cowboys, cowgirls and thrillseekers for some friendly competition evolved into the Elizabeth Stampede more than 20 years ago and continues to rally the community around two full weekends celebrating the western lifestyle.
In 2008, the amateur and professional Elizabeth Rodeo contests are happening back to back, with the former preceding the latter by a week - May 31 and June 1.
Also in 2008, the amateur events have a new name: The Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo. The new name reflects the event's mission - bringing the community together for a weekend of fun and tradition - as well as its goal to build excitement for the Elizabeth Stampede, a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo June 6-8.
"This is an important part of the Elizabeth Stampede. When this rodeo began many years ago it started off as an amateur rodeo," explained
Bridgette Bragg, a veteran Elizabeth Stampede volunteer in her second year as chairwoman of the community rodeo for the Stampede board of directors. "We're upholding a wonderful tradition as we come together as a community," she said.
Bragg and fellow volunteers continue to expand on the community rodeo's competition offerings and activities draws. Pole bending is new this year on the contest schedule, supplementing such traditional amateur-event fare as barrel racing, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, mutton busting, calf riding, steer riding, junior bulla and open bull riding.
"This is a really fun organization to volunteer for and be a part of. For me I get a rush when the weekend is over and it has been a big success. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they participate makes all the hard work and long hours worth it," Bragg said.
As always, all Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo events are open to everyone interested in testing their skill and trying their luck. And, the entry fee's are extremely reasonable.
But there's plenty of free fun in store for those who shy away from competition. Not only are the amateur events exciting to watch, spectators are invited to also enjoy traditional cowboy church on Sunday morning, great food provided by Big D's, the Homestead Café and the Knights of Columbus of Kiowa. Additionally, a plethora of local businesses will showcase their services and products at the Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo.
"All these events are open to everyone. People do not need to be a cardholder or belong to a special organization to be a part of the fun," Bragg said. "Come one, come all."
All the details about the Elizabeth Stampede Community Rodeo, including registration information and schedules, are posted on the Elizabeth Stampede web site, www.elizabethstampede.org. Questions regarding the Community Rodeo may be directed to Bragg, 303-870-4052.
The invitation to volunteer with the Elizabeth Stampede is an open one. Anyone interested in helping the Elizabeth Stampede earn the "Best Small Rodeo" for an ninth time in 2008 is welcome to contact the Stampede office, 303-646-0308, or get in touch with any of the dozens of current volunteers. Prospective volunteers can always visit the Stampede web site, www.elizabethstampede.org, for more information.