Broadwater County Rodeo
 | Author:
Matt Nelson
MT43 News Correspondent |
The Broadwater County Fair and Rodeo just completed its 59th year from August 1st to August 7th. The Western Days Kid’s Rodeo was held on Thursday, August 4th; the Northwestern Rodeo Association (NRA) was on Friday August 5th and Saturday August 6th; and the Western Days Rodeo was on Sunday August 7th.
The National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer are usually said at every rodeo. In this sport, the participants always stand, with their right hands over their hearts, and don’t kneel. Tanya Dundas, the rodeo secretary, said “The American flag was carried by Audrey Snellman Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Jessica Graveley on Sunday. Tanya and her friend Olivia Leininger were also trick riders. Taylor Cartwright ran the Tough Enough Pink and the Man Up Flags.”
“The Grand Marshall was Pat Plantenberg and Mary Mistek. The car was driven and provided by Jerry Rodacker. There were over 1500 people on Friday and Saturday night. Not sure what the count was for Thursday and Sunday.
NRA contestants were paid a total of $18,435.34 during the two days they competed in Townsend. At the time of this writing, it is unknown the amount given out to the participants of the two Western Days Rodeos. This amount will be reported in the next edition of this paper, as well as the list of the riders, their placements in the different categories (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), their scores, and the amount of cash they were rewarded. Tanya said “We give a 100 percent payout of all the entry fees.” Tanya also reported “All of the kid contestants received $5 from the Rodeo Board and the Canyon Ferry Mercantile donated a gift certificate to every contestant.”
For me, the most enjoyable day of the four was being at the Kid’s Rodeo on the 4th. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids perform, especially the ones in the 2 to 7 age group. They are so comical. Pole bending (riding between poles), Goat Undressing, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Parent/Child Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the Tootsie Roll Races were the events for these kids. In most cases, the parents went along with these kids in the Parent/Child Team Roping, Barrel Racing 2–7, and Tootsie Roll Race 2–7 events, often running to keep up with the kids who were riding horses. For the Tootsie Roll Competition, Tanya remarked, “The prize for the winners of the race were gift certificates donated by Mountie Moose Bakery.” Jackson VanDyken was the first child to ride in the Tootsie Roll Race 2–7. His dad is Andy VanDyken.
During the NRA event on Saturday the 6th, it was Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day. This is for cancer awareness. Andy has cancer, and has had it for five years. For both NRA days there was a 50/50 raffle. The first day was for the Man Up Crusade, and the second was for Tough Enough to Wear Pink. According to Tanya, “The rodeo raised $750 for the Man Up Crusade and $3,000 for the Tough Enough Pink that will be donated to Andy VanDyken.” It was announced that the winner of the Tough Enough Pink 50/50 raffle donated the entire amount to Andy.
“The mission of the Man Up Crusade is to reduce domestic violence in society and contribute to social change by promoting safe and healthy relationships through education, advocacy and funding community services and programs that share in our mission.” They participate often in fairs and rodeos around the country.
The events during the two NRA days were Ladies Breakaway Roping, Junior Breakaway Roping, Bareback Riding, Rookie Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Rookie Bareback Riding, Ladies Barrel Racing, Junior Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and Team Roping.
On the Western Day Rodeo 9 (the 7th), the different categories were Tie Down Roping, Pole Bending, Old-Times Team Roping, Goat Tying, Ribbon Roping, Barrel Racing, two sections of Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Cowhide Race, and Team Branding. During the Team Branding, three cowboys rope and tie down a steer, and then a cowgirl would “brand” the steer using a can of red spray paint.
Rodeos are part of our Western Heritage. It looked like most, if not all of the spectators enjoyed the Broadwater County Fair and Rodeo. It’s over for this year; and it’s too bad we have to wait for another year to see the next one here in Townsend. God Bless the riders, their families, and the all of the people who attended.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Matt Nelson
Image 1 Caption: Barrel racing 8-12
Image 2 Caption: Barrel Racing 13-17
Image 3 Caption: Tootsie Roll Race 2–7 rider Jackson VanDyken.
Image 4 Caption: NRA 8–5 Bareback Riding Bucky McAlpine (Anaconda).
Image 5 Caption: Old Glory carroed byJessica Graveley
