Thursday, August 21, 2014

First Ranch Rodeo action highlights Quay County Fair

Stetson Cates & Kiptyn Bidegain get ready for the calf scramble
Local ranchers displayed their skills Saturday for the first-ever ranch rodeo competition held as part of the Quay County Fair in Tucumcari. “I thought we had a great crowd, some have told me it is the biggest crowd they have seen at the rodeo arena in a long time,” said Jaree Elliot, event coordinator. Elliot said she was overwhelmed by the show of support from the competitors, local ranchers, businesses and Mesalands Community College’s interim head rodeo coach Tim Abbott and assistant coach Staci Stanbrough. Abbott and Stanbrough judged the event as a courtesy, Elliot said. Elliot said the event has received so much positive feedback from contestants and spectators that she believes there will be a second ranch rodeo during next year’s county fair. Elliot has organized ranch rodeos in New Mexico and Texas and knew this type of event would be successful, she said, adding that the Quay County Fair Board received the idea with enthusiasm. “I think it was a great event that drew in a very diverse crowd,” said Brad Bryant, Quay County Commission chair. Bryant said the ranch rodeo was a great way for people to enjoy the Saturday afternoon and provided some excitement for people who had been at the fair for four days. Many local residents took part in the event and continuing athe event next year would be a great way to draw in people to the area. Elliot said there were 13 four-member teams entered in rodeo, but many of the contestants competed on more than one team. She said individuals were allowed to compete on different teams as long as two members were different from their original team...more

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