Ranch and
Rodeo Roundup
T
By Kim Dillon
he results are in! Independence Day weekend is traditionally known
as Cowboy Christmas in the world of rodeo. With so many rodeos
and events taking place around July 4th, cowboys and cowgirls
capitalize on multiple opportunities to head to the pay window. As you
can see, Arizona played host to numerous events:
Prescott Frontier Days June 30-July 6, 2014
Billed as the “World’s Oldest Rodeo”, the PRCA event hosted
approximately 530 contestants from throughout the US. Here are the
final results:
• All-Around Cowboy-Rick Kieckhefer
• Bareback Riding-Casey Colletti
• Steer Wrestling-Dirk Tavenner
• Tie Down Roping-Bryce Runyan
(Arizona contestant: 6th Rick Kieckhefer)
• Saddle Bronc Riding-Chad Ferley
• Team Roping-Levi Grantham/Dennis Watkins)
(Arizona contestants: 7th Chance Kiehne, Tyler Getzwiller)
• Barrel Racing-Kelli Thouvenell
(Arizona contestants: 5th Jill Welsh, 10th Sarah Kieckhefer)
• Bull Riding-Reid Barker
(Arizona contestant: 7th Tustin Daye)
The Prescott Frontier Days is always a popular event for both contestants
and attendees. This year, almost 34,000 enthusiastic fans packed into the
Prescott Rodeo Grounds to watch 8 exhilarating rodeo performances.
The week also included 3 western dances and a “Happy Hearts Rodeo”
held for 14 exceptional children and their families. Whiskey Row and the
charming surrounding streets then hosted the annual patriotic parade
where flag waving fans enthusiastically welcomed this year’s Grand
Marshall, Bill Nebeker. The famed cowboy artist has sculpted many
masterpieces including a tribute bronze of John Wayne that he presented
to the “Duke” himself at his Arizona ranch. If you’ve never been to
Prescott on the weekend of the 4th, you’re missing out! Dates for next
year’s rodeo are June 29-July 5th and hotels typically sell out quickly.
Deuce’s Wild Rodeo July 4, 2014 in Show Low
This GCPRA (Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association) sanctioned rodeo
is always a cool and welcome destination for contestants. The traditional
7 events were held at the Village Arena. This year’s rodeo champs are
listed below:
• Bareback Riding-John Killian
• Steer Wrestling-Dean McIntyre
• Tie Down Roping (tie)-Luke Jeffries and Russell Sullivan
• Saddle Bronc Riding-Kane Kee
• Team Roping Header-Dillon Foster
• Team Roping Heeler-Kyle McCabe
• Barrel Racing-Nal