Second annual Cowboys Memorial Day rodeo

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Dinosaur Tire/Les Schwab is proud to present the Second Annual Cowboys Memorial Day Rodeo, sanctioned by the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association (RMPRA). The Rodeo is scheduled for May 24 and 25 at the Castle Dale Arena in Castle Dale and begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Cowboys Memorial Day Rodeo is the summer “Season Opener” for the Rocky Mountain Professional Rodeo Association series which include rodeos in Idaho, Nevada and all over Utah and is the largest Professional Rodeo Association in the Intermountain West consisting of almost 500 members. “By the time Memorial Day arrives” says tie down roper Brock Truman of Huntington, “the Cowboys and Cowgirls have some serious spring fever and are ready to get going down the Rodeo Road. This brings one of the largest contingents of contestants to Emery Country and all of the top hands in the RMPRA to get the season going.” Money earned from each of the RMPRA rodeos counts for qualification to the RMPRA Finals Rodeo held each November. In 2012 the Finals were held at South Jordan with only the top 12 in each event qualifying.
Preston Sessions, who moved to Ferron in 2012 and who is also the reigning 2012 Reserve Champion Bareback Rider in the RMPRA concurs with Brock’s opinion. In 2012 he and wife Brandy Behling of Ferron were married the night before the first performance of the Cowboys Memorial Day Rodeo and then rode in the Memorial Day Rodeo that weekend. “The RMPRA” says Preston, “consists of competitors that are skilled enough to compete in the professional ranks of the PRCA, but for one reason or another do not have the time or resources to travel full time.” In fact, when you compare the standings of the PRCA and many of the qualifiers to the National Finals Rodeo, as well as some College National Champions and High School National Champions, you can see many of the same competitors in the RMPRA.
Justin Truman, a Tie Down Roper from Huntington who competes in both the RMPRA and PRCA says “The family entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at the Castle Dale Arena and features two time IMPRA Bull Fighters Mark and Justin Scherer (father and son team) of American Falls, Idaho and the Award winning stock of Diamond H Rodeo, Wayne and Alyssa Hebdon of Smithfield.”
Truman adds that, “Admission for the rodeo is very reasonable with $10 for adults, 6-11 years $7 and five and under are free. New this year will be Chicken Chases for the kids and “Man vs. Bull, Tough Man Competition”. “The “Man vs. Bull, Toughman Competition” should be a big hit with the crowd” comments Chase Sherman, a bull rider from Huntington who ended up as the 2012 Reserve Champion Bull Rider in the RMPRA.
“Each night we are taking up to 10 entries for the contest. Contestants must be 18 years of age and older and sign a liability waiver. Anyone is welcome to enter. Entry for the contest is $50 and winner takes all each night which could be a take home of up to $500 for the last man standing.”
Monroe Magnuson who was named the 2012 RMPRA Announcer of the Year explains the contest. “Up to 10 circles will be drawn in the arena, one for each contestant. Each contestant will be assigned a circle where he will stand. A fighting bull will be turned out into the arena, and, of course he is going to want to hunt for something to chase so he is going to go after the contestants standing in the circles. The last man to leave his circle is the winner”. “It may not be a tough man competition in terms of muscle” says Sherman, “but more of tough man in terms of guts, determination and strong nerves”. Entries for the Tough Man Competition can be made by calling 435-749-1027. All admission is at the gates and tickets are $10 per adult and $7 for kids 6-11, 5 and under free. Listen to KARB Kick’n Country and KOAL Radio for free ticket giveaways the week of the Rodeo. Concessions will be available at the fairgrounds with proceeds going to Emery High School Rodeo Club.