2009: NHSFR finishes run in Farmington

The 2009 edition of the National High School Finals Rodeo was a success inside the arenas of McGee Park, but not so much in the San Juan County community. Despite back-to-back years of action that filled the bleachers night after night, the Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association voted against bidding for the right to host the 2014 NHSFR, citing significant financial losses and the perceived apathy of the national organization toward the host communities. "In good conscious, I just don't think I see that benefit versus the loss that we incurred," said Farmington Mayor Bill Standley after the November vote. "I think they're thumbing their nose at the communities." According to figures provided by Tres Rios, local communities incurred more than $186,000 in losses while hosting the 2008 NHSFR, and figures for the 2009 edition could reach $325,000. However, the effect of those financial losses wasn't evident during the event itself. Unlike the 2008 rodeo, when riders Corbin Carpenter and Blake Arp each suffered horrific injuries, the 2009 NHSFR finished without a significant incident. In fact, the week began in electric fashion when Carpenter rode into the rough stock arena atop his horse prior to the first performance of the week, eliciting a roar from the crowd...read more