Snowmass Rodeo In The Saddle Again

June 20th, 2007 at 05:28am Jessica Andrews 17

SNOWMASS, COLORADO (Post Time News)–Similar to the dirt roads that once ran throughout much of Western Colorado, spectators and patrons of the annual Snowmass Rodeo will have to travel a rough road covered in construction, orange cones, and gravel paths to reach the rodeo grounds where they will be transported into a different time when cattle, horses and cowboys ruled the land.

Western Snowmass Heritage Foundation executive director Chris Kelly told Post Time News  the 35th consecutive Snowmass Rodeo, presented every Wednesday evening in Snowmass by the Western Snowmass Heritage Foundation, will contain activities, entertainment and wild animals not unlike thos in years past.

“Neither the rain nor heavy construction will stop this annual Snowmass trademark from happening,” Kelly said. “The word has gotten around in the past few years to locals and visitors of the area, and on an ordinary Wednesday night we can get anywhere from 800 to 1,000 spectators at the fairgrounds.”

It seems that over the years the event that takes place at 5 p.m. Wednesday nights has only grown along with its audience and this year will make room for two new local vendors: Wienerdong Toys and Bright & Shiny Things, both located in the Snowmass Mall.

For $5, fans  will also get the chance this year to saddle up and ride a mechanical-version bull much like the actual bull-riders performing at the show. To accommodate for the bigger crowds anticipated for the 2007 season, Kelly said a new announcer will be joining long time Twirp Anderson to announce local contestants and results. The Snowmass Rodeo is free for children 10; under $10 for children 10-15; and only $16 for adults.

Kelly said that on most Wednesdays performances can be expected by the Cedar Ridge Ranch Riders, who perform a synchronized riding routine, Anita Witt who will make surprise appearances will her prankster ponies who will perform special tricks for the audience. On August 1, 2007, the nationally known free-lance rodeo team One Armed Bandit will be making a guest appearance at the Snowmass Rodeo as well.

Drill Master Coach for the Cedar Ridge Ranch Riders Mary Beth Hall said: “The team has been doing a 4-5 minute performance for the Snowmass Rodeo since the summer of 2003.”

The team is made up of horse riders who perform in a group with a specific pattern with music playing in the background.
“We have performed for all different events around the valley,” Hall said, ”such as the Carbondale Rodeo, though the Snowmass Rodeo is probably our biggest and most exciting performance.”

The usual activities will also take place including children’s games such as roping lessons, hand-pumped bucking bronc and Pony rides at $10 per child. The main event will begin at 7 p.m. with the grand entry of contestants, bull riding, team roping, barrel racing, saddleback bronc, and bareback ridding.
 

Entry Filed under: Snowmass, Resorts, Snowmass Entertainment, Pitkin County, Fractional Post, Family, Rodeo