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Anderson is making his 16th appearance here, while Callihan is a
relative newcomer, in his third rodeo. They will assist the cowboys
and help out wherever they are needed.
`Smurf' Horton performed here last year with Dobbs and Anderson, and
was a big hit with the crowd.
Swingler is a barrel man, according to West of the Pecos Rodeo
Committee President Jim Bob McNeil. He has a car act that is differ¬
ent than the one which Quail Dobbs performs, and the two rodeo clowns
will take alternate nights on their car acts, McNeil said.
An animal trainer, Anderson specializes in sheepdogs and cowboy
monkeys, horses and bulls for use in special acts for pro rodeos and
movies.
He is an award winning pro ro¬ deo clown/bullfighter and a Screen
Actor's Guild Stunt Coordinator. He is also a TNN Helmet Camera Operator.
Anderson was featured in 1989 as stunt double in "My Heroes Have Always
Been Cowboys for star Scott Glenn and returned to the silver screen in
1993, doubling for Luke Perry in the Lane Frost movie "8 Seconds."
A special favorite, not only with rodeo spectators, but among local
residents, Dobbs arrives in Pecos a few days before the rodeo begins to
visit children at day care centers and residents at Pecos Nursing Home.
He also participates in the West of the Pecos Rodeo parade.
Dobbs joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1963, when
it was more simply called the RCA.
He is one of the very few men to work the National Finals Rodeo as both
a bullfighter and a clown.
Dobbs is also an experienced and recognized barrelman, working inside
heavily padded steel barrels to distract the bulls and keep them
hopping. The clown is perhaps best known in Pecos for his comedy car act
and other humorous routines.
Since 1981, Dobbs has been spending his July 4 in Pecos. He has
entertained everyone at the ro¬ deo events with his cantankerous car,
visited with young people and charmed those at the nursing home.
Each year he visits the West of the Pecos Museum and is generally a
very sought after, popular fellow while in town.
The Coahoma native has been in professional rodeo as a clown for more
than 34 years and has made appearances in 25-35 rodeos all over the
United States each year.
Callihan trained at the Rick Chapman and Skipper Voss Bull¬ fighting
School and received his PRCA card in 1988. He's worked numerous rodeos
throughout the United States, including the 1993 George Paul Memorial
Super Bull in Del Rio and the Super Toro Series and Circle The Wagons Tour produced by Bad Company Rodeos, Inc.
A boot scramble, where each child ages 4-12 will take off one boot upon
entering the rodeo. All boots will be placed in two separate piles.
During the course of the rodeo, the children will be asked to go look
for their pair, the first child to find his or her boot will be de¬
clared the winner.
"There will be two divisions in this event," said Rodeo President John Saenz.
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Bad Company Rodeo and the West of the Pecos Rodeo, which began their
affiliation with the 100th anniversary performance in 1983, will be
continuing their association in 1987, with the 114th anniversary
performance.
The West of the Pecos was one of the first rodeos Mack Altizer, , son
of world champion calf and steer roper Jim Bob Altizer, began producing
after beginning its Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association
affiliation.
The West of the Pecos remains Texas' oldest and richest outdoor rodeo,
with last year's $215,000 payout in men's and women's events setting a
new record, one which should be broken by the over-750 cowboys and
cowgirls participating in this year's rodeo on July 2-5.
Bad Company Rodeo Company was formed by Altizer, a Del Rio native who
now has the company's headquarters in Sonora.
Altizer received his PRCA stock contractor and rodeo producer en¬
dorsements in 1982, after a calf-roping career that won him champi¬
onships in the junior and high school rodeo circuits. He continues to
particpate in roping events annually at the West of the Pecos Rodeo.
Known for his statistical mastery, Announcer Curt Robinson, of
Pendleton, Oregon, will entertain and inform on-lookers about the
competitive events and the history of the West of the Pecos Rodeo.
The Bad Company Rodeo crew will also bring hot music, wild broncs and a rodeo party.
The wild horse race concludes each performance, with three cowboys
saddling and riding an untamed horse from in front of the chutes to the
end of the arena.
It takes three, because two have to hold the horse still while the rider
saddles up, then mounts and rides to the finish line at the far end of
the arena.
Once across, the rider must take his saddle from the horse and present
it to the judge. Any protest must be lodged with the judges before they
leave the arena.
Although it's a local event, the horse race can be just as dangerous as
regular PRCA events. Horses have been known to trample the cowboys or
kick them in the chest or head, and some have left the arena in an
ambulance.
Milking a wild cow is a little tamer, but not much. Kicking and
trampling is also common while one man tries to hold the cow steady
after it is roped by a rider on horseback.
A mugger holds the cow while the roper dismounts and holds a soft drink
bottle in one hand while trying to squeeze a few drops of milk into it.
When he has completed that chore, he must run to the south end of the
arena and present his bottle of milk to the judge.
Meanwhile, the mugger must remove the rope from the cow's neck before
judging can take place. The fastest time wins.Only local cowboys are eligible to participate in the two special events.
Reeves County Sheriff's Department deputies and Texas Department of
Public Safety troopers will escort the riders as they travel along Texas
Highway 17 from Fort Davis to Pecos.
Bed rolls will be spread under the stars in a pasture between Fort
Davis and Balmorhea Saturday night. Riding into Balmorhea Sunday, the
hot and dusty riders will cool off in spring waters and dance in the
streets.
Monday night's camp will be at Hoban gin, and they will arrive in Pecos
Tuesday about mid morning.
They'll ride in Wednesday's rodeo parade, then gather at the Sheriff's
Posse Barn to receive awards given to the oldest male and female riders,
the youngest boy and girl and the rider who traveled farthest to begin
the ride. Only those who ride all the way are eligible for the awards.
In addition to marching in the rodeo parade, the West Texas Trailriders
will join the grand entry of the opening rodeo performance Wednesday night, completing the five-day trek.
The trailriders will actually arrive in Fort Davis tonight, and hit the
trail - in this case Texas Highway 17 - early Saturday, escorted by
Department of Public Safety troopers and Reeves County Sheriff's
deputies.
Bed rolls will be spread under the stars in a pasture between Fort
Davis and Balmorhea Saturday night. Riding into Balmorhea Sunday, the
hot and dusty riders will cool off in spring waters and dance in the
streets.
Monday night's camp will be at Hoban gin, and they will arrive in Pecos
Tuesday about mid morning.
They'll ride in Wednesday's rodeo parade, then gather at the Sheriff's
Posse Barn to receive awards given to the oldest male and female riders,
the youngest boy and girl and the rider who traveled farthest to begin
the ride. Only those who ride all the way are eligible for the awards.
About 75 cowboys and cowgirls made the 75-mile trek last year, and just
as many or more should be on hand this time around.
In addition to marching in the rodeo parade, the West Texas Trailriders
will join the grand entry of the opening rodeo performance Wednesday night, completing the five-day trek.
"The trade shows that will be taking place at the civic center is
something new added during rodeo activities this year," said West of the
Pecos rodeo committee president Jim Bob McNeil.
The trade show is an event that has taken place annually during the big
rodeos in Houston and San Antonio.
The Civic Center will be open from 1-8 p.m. next Thursday, July 3 and
from from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on both Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July
5.
Different booths will be set up inside the center selling everything
from western wear to jewelry. Other booths will feature shoe and buckle
shining.
Events for children will be taking place at different times during the
trade show.
Organizers of the event are Debbie Thomas and Brenda McKinney.
Children activities will begin at 3 p.m. on Thursday with the clown
contest. Children are urged to portray a clown and compete for a prize.
Professional clowns will be on hand to judge the "little" contestants.
During this event the children will be divided into two age groups, six
and under and 7-12.
A kid's roping contest is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday. Children will
be roping a plastic dummy steer head. Another name for the contest is
dummy roping.
Children in this event will be entered in three different age groups,
five and under; 6-8 years old and 9-12 years.
Stick bull riding will kick off events at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the
youngsters. The twisting and bucking of riders on a stick bull for eight
seconds will determine the score in this event.
Also at 3 p.m. on Saturday another contest for dummy roping will be
taking place. Prizes will be awarded to the winners and ribbons given to
all other participants.
On Friday, Steve Cross' Taekwon Do students will stage a demonstration
at 4 p.m.
A booth will staffed by Pecos High School cheerleaders, who will be
shining boots and polishing buckles. Junior high cheerleaders will be
providing lemonade for thirsty event goers.
West of the Pecos Museum will be featuring a photo booth and selling
their new cookbook.
Big Bend Saddlery of Alpine will be located just outside the center
selling palm-leaf western hats.
Totally Sharp of Kermit will have pouting dolls, rodeo trading cards and
other rodeo items.
Shade Tree Saddlery of Verhalen will feature custom saddles, leather
goods, western vests, bows, tuxedo shirts and vests.
Sage Brush of Fort Stockton will have sterling silver jewlery, western
fashions, leather accessories, wool rugs and iron home furnishings,
pottery and glassware for sale.
Doug and Sherry Parkhurst will have their own little corner filled with
T-shirts, sunglasses, watches, hats and short sets.
Professional clowns and cowboys will be on hand at different times for
autograph signing.
Giveaways and door prizes will also be taking place at different times
during the trade show.
Some of the giveaways include Emilio and rodeo tickets. The winners
don't have to be present to win the tickets which will be announceed at
5 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
A wall area will be set up with business cards and flyers. An business
or individual who would like their card of flyer to be put up on the
wall can contact either Brenda McKinney at 445-9000 or the Pecos Chamber
of Commerce.
This will enable out-of-town visitors to have an idea of where everything is in Pecos, according to organizers of the event.
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Sonora roper Arnold Felts became a four-time winner of the
All-Around Cowboy award last year, at the conclusion of the 113th
anniversary West of the Pecos Rodeo
Felts had already picked up the grand prize at the 100th Anniversary
West of the Pecos Rodeo in 1983, and then added All-Around Cowboy titles
in 1987 and 1992.
His saddle bag for taking the All-Around title went along with a buckle
for winning the steer roping competition at last year's rodeo, which
paid out a record total of $201,410 in prize money.
Felts, who ended up fifth overall in the final steer roping standings
for 1996, earned a total of $6,900.01 for his efforts, which included a
winning time of 37.7 seconds on three runs in steer roping. It was five
seconds faster than runner-up Marty Jones, and was worth $2,922.
Jones won the short-go on the final night of the rodeo, with a 12.6
time, while Jim Davis placed second at 13.2 seconds and Felts third with
a 13.6 time. Felts earlier had taken second in the first go-round, while
the second go-round winner, Dan Fisher, set a new arena record with a
10.4 second time.
In calf roping, Felts picked up $388 for a seventh place finish in the
first go-round. Leddy Lewis won the first go-round with a 9.5 time, Clay
Cerney took the second go in 9 flat, and Clint Sorrell's 10.1 time won
the final night's short go.
The runner-up that night, Raymond Hollabaugh, who took the overall calf
roping title, with a 33.4 second time on three calves, while the third
place finisher Herbert Theriot wound up second to Felts for All-Around
honors.
The Poplarville, Miss., cowboy had a 10.8 time in the short go and
placed fourth overall with a 34.5 time. That earned him $2,135 in the
event, and he followed that up later in the evening be winning the steer
wrestling competition.
Theriot brought his steer down in 4.8 seconds in the short go to move up
from sixth place to first, with a combined 14.6 time, .3 seconds better
than Jim Bob Clayman, who also was second in the final short go with a
5.4 time.
Clayman earlier had placed third in the first go-round of steer
wrestling, with a 4.3 time. Brian Fields and Chuck Jankowski shared the
title there, with 4.1 times, while Rope Myers had the best time of the
rodeo, in winning the second go-round in four seconds flat.
Theriot took home a total of $5,841.34, while Davis also broke the
$5,000 barrier in combined winnings, taking $5,068.26 back to Abilene.
In addition to steer roping, Davis and partner Travis Kiehne placed
fifth in the average in team roping, with a 30.2 time on three tries.
The 1995 world champion ropers, Bobby Hurley and Allen Bach, placed
among the top finishers - but with different partners - while the team
that took the lead after the first go-round, Robert Gonzales and Mickey
Gomez, closed things out by winning the final night's short-go as well.
The pair followed up their 6.9 second effort during the opening day's
slack competition with a 7.7 time on the final night, and finished with
a 23.3 time for three steers. Bach and new partner Charles Poague were
second, at 25.9 seconds, after a third place finish (9.4 seconds) the
last night of the rodeo and a sixth (8.1) in the second go-round. Hurley
and his partner, Cody Cowden, won the second go, with 7.2 time.
In the riding events, the third night of the rodeo turned out to be the
one in which the winners made their appearances at the West of the Pecos
Rodeo.
Marvin Garrett, the eventual 1996 PRCA bareback riding champion, helped
to earn his third straight world's championship winning first in Pecos.
Garrett, who won his fifth overall title scored 82 points on board ~`No
Satisfaction.' The Belle Fourche, S.D. cowboy earned $4,303.
Chris Harris of Arlington and Jeffrey Collins of Wister, Okla., tied for
second with 80-point rides, and each won $2,869.
In bull riding, Michael Gaffney of Lubbock tied the arena points record
at the close of Friday's show, scoring 88 points on `Crocodile Rock.'
That was three better than another Lubbock cowboy, Michael Daniel, who
also rode on Friday and scored 85 points aboard `Abracadabra.' Gaffney
ended up sixth overall in the final 1996 standings.
Australian Troy Dunn, won third, riding `Locomotion' on what was the
final bull ride of the rodeo.
Gaffney collected the biggest payout of the rodeo for a single event,
$6,136, while Daniel took home $4,704 and Dunn $3,477.
In saddle bronc riding, Craig Latham won his second title in three years
in Pecos, with an 83 point ride aboard `Jumpin Jenny', on the way to a
fifth place overall finish in the NFR standings. Latham was five points
better than runner-up Philip Haughen of Weatherford, Okla., and six more
than Mike Coon of Stepheville, both of whom rode on Saturday.
Latham, of Texhoma, collected $4,739 for his ride, while Haughen earned
$3,634 and Coon $2,686.
In ladies' barrel racing, the 17.63 time turned in by Sherry Cervi of
Marana, Ariz., during the special pre-rodeo slack performance held up
through the four regular performances of the rodeo and was worth $2,571.
Stacey Brent of LaPorte was next with a 17.91 time and earned $2,121,
while Carissa Allred, who performed during the opening night show was
.01 behind and won $1,607 for third place.
The top finishes among local riders came from T.J. Kenney, who collected
$1,066 for finishing in a four-way tie for fourth in saddle bronc
riding, and by barrel racer Lisa Fernandes of Mentone, whose 18.17 time
earned her a tie for 14th place in that event, which paid off the top 15
finishers.
Including the barrel racing money, this year's total payoff was
$214,265.25. It was the highest ever for the West of the Pecos Rodeo,
surpassing the 100th anniversary show 13 years ago, which was a
five-night performance. The combined payout was also more than $62,000 above last year's prize money.
The program and reception are scheduled between 9:30-11:30 a.m. on July
4 at the museum. It is sponsored by the Pecos Business and Professional
Women, Friends of the Museum, and the West of the Pecos Museum.
A Pioneer Family Exhibit is on display now until July 15 at the West of
the Pecos Museum.
"Everyone is welcome to come to the museum to see the special display of
the pioneer family and also to attend the program and reception," said
museum curator Dorinda Venegas.
The Kelton Pioneer Family history began with Robert Frank Kelton. On his
first night in Pecos, Kelton stayed at the Morehead Livery Stable
located on the present site of the Security State Bank. This was on the
last day of February 1899.
R. Frank was born on Sept. 22, 1880 in Callahan County, Tx. He was the
son of R.F. At the age of 16, he "went down the trail" with a herd of
cattle from Callahan County to Ozona in Crockett County. He worked in
that area until he came to Pecos in early 1899. The Johnson brothers of
the W Ranch hired him as a horse wrangler and then as a cowboy. About
1910, R. Frank started his own outfit west of Pecos. He ran his own
stock for 33 years and branded the Cross Bar.
When he was a brand inspector for the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers
Association, he became acquainted with L.W. Anderson who was the
president. This led to a partnership in the Dixieland and Anderson
Ranches. He was also the foreman of both ranches.
On December 31, 1916, he married Alice Jane "Janie" Farnum of Pecos.
This is where the family made their home.
Their children are Joe Bob who married Jessie Mae Wells, Jim Tom who
married Doris Calley and Melba who married Joseph Younce of Houston.
There are 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Joe Bob went into the concrete construction business and in time, Jim
Tom became the second foreman of the Dixieland and Anderson Ranches. His
son Robert F. "Bob" is the third generation foreman and half owner of
the Dixieland Ranch. "Mr. Frank" died on Oct. 1, 1961 and was buried
beside his wife "Miss Janie" who died on Dec. 7, 1940.
The Farnum Pioneer Family history began with Carvine Watters Farnum Jr.
He married Eliza Ann Montgomery on April 15, 1879 in Chappell Hill, Tx.
Their children were Lovey George Taylor and Alice Jane.
When Eliza Ann was widowed with small children, she moved to Quinlan to
be near her brother Scott Montgomery. In the early 1900's, Eliza Ann and
her daughter, Alice Jane moved to Pecos. Lovey married Effie Talulu
Miles in Quinlan on Aug. 12, 1906 and settled in Barstow about 1907.
Their children were Watters Leander, Clevern Miles "Toots," and Margaret
Clatie.
Lovey George Farnum worked on the George Barstow farm at Barstow. He
later bought his own farm and started a dairy. The bottling plant was
located just west of the original Greyhound Bus Station on west third
street in Pecos.
Alice Jane Farnum married R. Frank Kelton on Dec. 31, 1916. Their
children are Joe Bob, Jim Tom and Melba. "Miss Janie" as she was known
to those who loved her, had a millinery shop in Pecos. A delicate white
lawn and lace christening gown which she made has been used every
generation for the christening of both Farnum and Kelton children.
Watters Farnum married Carrie Glover and their daughter was Barbara Ann.
Widowed in 1948, Watters remarried Marguerite Jenkinson and their son
was Lewis Glen.
"Toots" Farnum married Glen Ray Harrell and their daughter was Jeana.
They divorced and he later married Mary Frances Branch. Their children
are William George, Ava Jo, Mary Louise, Judy Kay and Dee Watters.
Margaret Farnum married Hubert Lavaughn Wicker. Their children are Jennifer, Garet, and Cydney.
The West of the Pecos boosted its payout by 40 percent in 1996,
surpassing the $200,000 mark for the first time. That also allowed the
113th anniversary event to climb from 24th place to 15th in total prize
money, after falling from 18th place in 1994, despite a jump of $30,000
in prize money.
Last year's increase of $57,000 in prize money also allowed the West of
the Pecos Rodeo to climb back into the No. 2 spot among July 4th rodeos
in money offered. Pecos trails only the Greeley (Colo.) Independence
Stampede, which ranked 10th last year with a $230,138 payout, compared
to Pecos' $201.360. The Cody (Wyo.) Stampede, which moved ahead of the
West of the Pecos in 1995, was ranked 17th last year, paying out
$191,186 during the July 1-4 period.
The largest rodeo remains the National Finals Rodeo. Held annually in
Las Vegas in early December, the NFR went past the 170,000 mark in
attendance for the first time in 1996, and boosted its payout to $3.2
million, after going over the $3 million mark in 1995.
The number of members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association also
set new records in 1996. Cowboys who are PRCA full members went over
7,000 for the first time, while permit holders climbed past the 4,100
mark, its highest level since the early 1980s.
In 1996, the association sanctioned 742 rodeos in 46 states and four
Canadian provinces. Those PRCA rodeos awarded more than $26.4 million in
prize money.
After the NFR, the largest rodeo in the country in the Houston Livestock
Show, held from mid-February through early March, it paid out $537,000
last year and was one of nine Texas rodeos ranked among the Top 50.
Along with the West of the Pecos, that list includes the San Antonio
Livestock Expedition Rodeo (7th overall with a $380,000 payout), the
Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth (8th,
$334,500), the Southwestern International Rodeo in El Paso (29th,
$138,600), the Austin-Travis County Livestock Show (31st, $134,000), the
Sandhills Hereford & Quarter Horse Show in Odessa (32nd, $131.280), the
San Angelo Stock Show (42nd, $103,400) and the Heart `O Texas Fair and
Rodeo in Waco (49th, $99,074).
The West of the Pecos Rodeo was ranked behind El Paso's International
Southwestern Rodeo in 1995, when it gave out $145,109 in prize money.
Increased financial support both from local and national businesses
allowed the West of the Pecos to boost its payout last year and move
into the Top 15.
The PRCA is composed of stock contractors, judges, rodeo clowns,
bullfighters, secretaries, timers, specialty act performers, announcers
and photographers. The total number of members and permit holders
surpassed the 10,000 mark for the first time in 1995.
The PRCA traces its roots back to 1936 when a group of cowboys staged a
walk-out at a rodeo at the Boston Garden. The protest resulted from the
rodeo promoter's refusal to add the cowboys' entry fees to the prize
money. The cowboys vowed to boycott until the entry fees were added to
the prize money and judging was done with greater objectivity.
The promoter, W.T. Johnson, finally relented and the Cowboys' Turtle
Association was formed. The cowboys adopted the name "Turtles" for two
reasons - they were slow to organize, but had finally stuck out their
necks to get what they wanted.
In 1945, the Turtles changed their organization's name to the Rodeo
Cowboys Association, which in 1975 became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association.
In 1987, the PRCA appointed its first commissioner, Lewis A. Cryer, who
took office Jan. 1, 1988. Since then, the PRCA has experienced one of
its greatest periods of growth. Membership hit a record 6,894 in 1995,
with another 3,835 permit holders.
The PRCA now employs about 60 full-time people, but the staff grows to
nearly 100 during the peak rodeo season.
The PRCA's national headquarters is adjacent to the ProRodeo Hall of
Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. A $4.4 million expansion to the Hall and the PRCA opened last May.
"We just have a few booths available and they're going fast," said Tom
Rivera, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. As of the end of
last week the chamber had only five vendor booths available.
However, Rivera said they wouldn't turn anyone away, because of all the
allotted booths fill up, the Chamber might still be able to fit others
in if they don't specifically have to be on the street.
Night in Old Pecos/Cantaloupe Festival will take place Saturday in
downtown Pecos. Events will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 1 a.m.
Some of the events scheduled for the festivities include a dunking
booth, a car bash, a photo booth featuring Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue,
serving of sarsaparilla in the Old #11 Saloon, a talent show, arts and
crafts booths and lots of food booths, according to Rivera.
"We'll also have a lot of different games," said Rivera, including cow
patty bingo.
In cow patty bingo, big blocks are drawn on the street, which people
purchase.
"If the cow patty lands on the square that the individual has purchased,
they can win cash prizes," Rivera said.
Rivera also plans to carry over events from the Cantaloupe Festival as
well. One such event is the look-alike contest.
In the look-alike contest, children each receive a cantaloupe that they
must draw pictures of themselves on. Polaroid pictures of the
contestants and their entries are taken, and judges choose the entry
with the closest resemblance.
A cantaloupe seed-spitting contest may also take place.
A first prize of $50 will be awarded in the annual talent show, which is
open to anyone wishing to enter.
To keep the little ones entertained, there will be a Kiddie Train
providing rides.
For older festival-goers, there will be A Taekwon Do exhibition,
performance of the Golden Girl of the Old West production number,
musical entertainment throughout the evening provided by Cat the D.J.,
and two separate street dances.
Eddie Rivera and the Breeze will be performing at the Windmill Square
stage. and Imprezion will play on the Oak Stage stage. Eddie Rivera and
the Breeze play mainly country music, while Imprezion is a tejano group.
Rivera said that he would like to encourage the community to come out
and bring their lawn chairs to listen to the music.
"We want them to have fun and be comfortable," he said.
There is no admission charge to any of the events. The public is invited
to come out and help Pecos kick off the 1997 Rodeo festivities, Rivera
said.For more information, call the chamber office at 445-2406.
The Windmill Square Playhouse will present the two-act play, "Stop That
Villain!" at the Pecos Learning Center, 2024 South Eddy Street,
beginning Sunday afternoon.
The Windmill Square Playhouse was formed in 1990 by Dodd Burham, who was
also the first director. Brett Barrett directed the next two years, then
Roy Prewit took over in 1993 and has been director ever since.
Originally rehearsing and performing at the Reeves County Civic Center,
the troupe moved its operations to the Learning Center last year because
of scheduling conflicts. "It works out perfect, because our performances
are the week they're closed for vacation, and we don't have to tear our
stage down," said Prewit.
The theatrical group's members make all their own costumes and design
their own sets. "Stop That Villain!" will be their eighth annual
performance.
In the play, Ripley Roquefort is left an inheritance, but he must marry
Little Jane Dovetonsil in order to collect. Little Jane is madly in love
with Mertin Manley and has no intention of marrying Ripley. Both acts of
the play are set in the lobby of the Orient Hotel, here in Pecos.
Following the play, there will be olios, which are short comedy skits.
Normally, Roy Prewit directs the plays that the Windmill Square
Playhouse presents, but he had to take a major roll in the play this
year because they didn't have enough men to play all the male parts, so
his wife, Reita, will direct this year.
Roy Prewit will play the villain, Ripley Roquefort. "It's a major part,
and I have to be on stage all the time, and you can't direct when you're
on stage most of the time," he said.
Jenny Flutterpearl, played by Betty Smith, is the propritess of the
Orient Hotel and is an aspiring opera singer.
Kathy Hurley plays the hotel chambermaid, Comatose. "Her idea of
changing the bed linens is to move them from room to room," said Roy
Prewit.
Bathsheba Pickles, portrayed by Karen Hornberger, is a creative artist
and a yodeler in cahoots with the villain, Ripley.
Judge Lynch, played by Jay Spence, is the Texas lawyer dealing in
repossessed buckboards who is also in on the scam.
Auntie Em is played by Robin Felts. She is the chaperone for the lovely
heroine, Little Jane Dovetonsil. Tabitha Montanez plays Little Jane, who
is a rock hound, in town to expand her collection.
The play's hero, Mertin Manley, is played by Jeff Perkins. He is a
deputy who falls madly in love with Little Jane at first sight.
Poker Alice, played by Terri Spence, will probably be the president of
the First Gamblers' Anonymous opened in Pecos, said Prewit.
Horseback, not the brightest character in the play, is portrayed by
Tommy Jackson. He is always willing to lend a helping hand.
Tin Pan Ali, played by Matt Mettler, is a used camel salesman.
Claudette, played by Darla Blackstock, is the phony French maid. In the
play book, the description of her is, "oui-la-la in cowboy boots makes
her something to look at."
Kim Clark is the prompter for the players, plus she takes care of the
props and sound effects used in the play.
The play takes about one hour, not counting the olios.
During the intermission at the last performance, a drawing for a quilt
made by Roy Prewit will be held. Tickets for the quilt raffle cost one
dollar and are available from any cast member. Tickets can also be
obtained by stopping by the Pecos Insurance office at 117 West Second
Street, or calling them at 445-2449.
Performances are scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on
Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m., with a final matinee performance at 3 p.m. on July 4.
Senior citizens will be admitted free to the first performance, the
matinee on Sunday, although everyone is invited to attend. Ticket prices
for admission to the play are $4 apiece, for all performances.
There will also be a concession stand at each showing of the play which will sell soft drinks and popcorn.
Rodeo is definitely one of the toughest sports around the country.
This is why the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association has an
specific section in the rule book that deals exclusively with the humane
treatment of animals. Other rules in the book are designed to lessen the
chance of injury during rodeo.
It is one of the main objectives by the PRCA to guarantee the safety
not only of the cowboys but also of the livestock. After all, if the
livestock is not healthy and injury-free, the rodeo would not be
possible.
Although the animals are used only once a day, and most of the events
don't last very long (bull riding and bareback riding last a maximum of
eight seconds) some of the injuries on both animals and humans last a
lifetime.
One of the main aspects being considered are the rules regarding spurs.
PRCA rules prohibit the use of sharpened spurs, locked rowels (the
star-shaped wheel on spine) or rowels that will lock.
Anyone who violates any of the PRCA rules may be disqualified and
reported to the PRCA. The Association also has the right to levy fines
on those who have violated the rule.
Judges have the authority to report animal abuse by any PRCA member and
they take their jobs seriously. The violator is reported to the PRCA
infraction department.
However, for most PRCA's members, the humane treatment of animals come
more as natural way than as a fear of being penalized.
Most of the cowboys have been raised around animals most of their lives and they highly respect them and take good care of them.
Golden Girl nominees are Cynthia Almanza, Gabriella Bafidis, Ivi Shea
Brossman, Olivia Lara, Lorie Marquez, Stefanie Pharaoh, Erica Rodriguez,
Stephanie Sherrin, Gail Taylor and Ivy Thorp.
Little Miss Cantaloupe contestants will be joining the older girls
this year, after the two pageants were combined.
Cantaloupe contestants include Lyundsay Chowning, Sarah Cross, Kendra
Garcia, Kayla Herrera, Kristin Ikeler, Dorothy Lara, Andrielle
Martinez, Stormy McCoy, Jordan McNeil, Amie Morgan, Lyndsie Natividad,
Janette Perea, Jesseca Perea, Amber Rodriguez, Katherine Anne Tipton,
Samantha Valeriano and Claire Weinacht.
Special entertainment will fea¬ ture selections from the 50's. The
Pecos version of the McGuire Sis¬ ters are Kathy Garlitz, Jeanine Ivy
and Connie McAlister. Former Golden Girl 1973 Mary Ella Cummings, will
make a return appearance this year. She and McAlister will sing songs of Patsy Cline and other favorites.
Don't let Billy Etbauer fool you.
The 33-year-old cowboy may seem to be the most modest, unassuming guy
you'd ever want to meet.
In reality, Etbauer has just got to be a closet spotlight fanatic. How
else would you explain his performances at the National Finals Rodeo?
How do you explain that Etbauer wins on average $63,377 every time he
spends 10 days at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas?
Last year, Etbauer earned $66,304 during the 10-round event, enough to
clinch his second world title. He earned a single-event record $190,257
in 1996 - topping the $184,675 he earned in 1992. Etbauer also set an
average record by scoring 805 points in 10 rounds. The old record, set
by three-time world champ Dan Mortensen in 1994, was 791 points.
"I guess it's neat (the records), but it's something that you can't
control," Etbauer said.
Etbauer of Ree Heights, S.D., came into this year's NFR with $123,953 in
his back pocket - the most a saddle bronc rider has ever earned in a
regular season. Even so, Mortensen was nipping at his heels, having
earned $115,735 before the NFR.
While Mortensen was bucked off during the second round - effectively
cutting him out of the lucrative average - he continued to score well in
the rounds. Meanwhile, Billy's brother Dan Etbauer made the title hunt a
three-man affair by placing in the first five rounds. He won two of
those rounds, and some wondered whether Dan might come close to breaking
Billy's 1992 NFR earnings mark of $101,531.
But Dan missed his horse out in the ninth round, leaving Billy atop the
average board. Billy won the average race in 1992, but rode only nine
horses. In fact, he had never ridden all 10 horses during an NFR -
something he would have to do to win the title in 1996.
While Etbauer led the average race, worth $31,784 to the winner,
Mortensen passed Etbauer in actual earnings by the ninth round and led
by about $2,500. If Etbauer was bucked off, he and Mortensen would have
ridden nine horses each, making the average race much less of a factor
in the race for the world title.
Etbauer had to ride his tenth horse. And he did.
He scored 78 points on Sankey Rodeo's Sheep Wagon to clinch the average
victory and walk away with the world championship.
"Everybody was riding good," Etbauer said. "I was just lucky enough to
hang in there."
Etbauer had to overcome more than cutthroat competition. He also battled
a sore back most of the year, and sat out the final two months of the
regular season, hoping it would heal.
"It took me four days to pick up little 10-pound Kord (Etbauer's son),"
he said. "I needed a couple of months to get exercised and get healthy. I'm just glad it held together."
Rodeo Week festivities begin with the Night in Old Pecos/Cantaloupe
Festival in downtown Pecos on Saturday. The annual event, under a new
name for 1997 after being combined with the Cantaloupe Festival for the
first time, will end with two separate street dances, both of which are
free and open to the public.
Country band Eddie Riviera and the Breeze will perform on the Windmill
Square stage.
Imprezion, a local tejeno band, will play for the crowd at the Oak
Street stage.
There will also be dances sponsored by two different organizations each
night after rodeo performances end.
The West of the Pecos Rodeo Committee will hold their dances each
evening at the Reeves County Civic Center. The concerts will take
place from July 2 through next Saturday, July 5.
"A free dance will be held on Wednesday, as a thank-you to all our rodeo
fans," Rodeo Committee President Jim Bob McNeil said. Texas Express will
play at the free dance, which following the opening night's performance.
"Texas Express has played for us the past several years," said committee
spokesperson Sharlene Martinez.
"Texas Express plays quite a lot in our area and has a large following,"
she said.
Prairie Fire, an up-and-coming band with a large following in the
Lubbock area, will play Friday, July 4. "Prairie Fire played for us two
nights last year," said Martinez.
"They've both been well-received," Martinez said.
A San Angelo group, Little Rock, will play Thursday night's dance at the
Civic Center.
The Pecos Rodeo Committee's most famous performer, Emilio, will play at
the big dance on the last night of the rodeo, Saturday, July 5.
Emilio is a popular, award-winning singer who performs both tejeno and
country music. "We're very appreciative of NewsWest 9, (which) is
co-sponsoring Emilio with us and will be on hand at the rodeo, said
McNeil.
Tickets for the Rodeo Committee dances on Thursday and Friday nights
will be $6 for singles or $10 per couple. Tickets for Emilio's
performance on Saturday night are $12 per person in advance or $15 at
the door. Also, reserved tables which seat eight are available for the
Saturday night concert and dance at a price of $20 per table. "There are
still some available," Martinez said.
Also, class reunion groups who would like a group of tables reserved for
the Wednesday, Thursday or Friday dances should have their
representatives contact Martinez at the Pecos Valley Country Club, if
they have not already done so.
Saturday night will not be Emilio's first performance at the West of the
Pecos Rodeo, according to Martinez. "He was here and played for us four
years ago, and we had a very good crowd," she said. He last was in town
for the Reeves County Fall Fair in October.
The Rodeo Committee is expecting a big crowd because Emilio's stage
presence and popularity have increased so much in the four years since
he has performed during rodeo week, Martinez said. Even so, they do not
anticipate having to turn anyone away from the concert due to lack of
space.
"We're going to set up the stage a little differently than at past
concerts there (the RCCC), so that should give us more room on the dirt
for people to stand and watch, and still leave plenty of room for people
to dance on the concrete floor," Martinez said.
"He's really a top performer," she said about the popular crossover star.
On the north side of the rodeo arena, the Reeves County Sheriff's Posse
will also hold a rodeo dance each evening after the rodeo.
The Sheriff's Posse will hold their dances at the Posse Barn, and the
public is invited to dance under the stars from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. each
evening.
R. U. Redy, a versatile band from San Angelo which plays quite a bit of
country but includes selections from many musical styles, will play all
four nights at the Posse Barn.
Admission to the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Dance is $8 per person or $15 for
Skip to Next Storya couple.
The committee of non-paid volunteers meets each month year-round to
make plans for the July 4th West of the Pecos Rodeo. Each member serves
on one of several sub-committees to handle advertising, beer sales,
livestock and chutes, arena grooming, livestock, security and parking,
tickets, box seats, program and dedication, dance, buckles and brands,
art and more.
Members have also volunteered their time to work dirt in the arena and
improve livestock pens and chutes in the weeks leading up to the rodeo.
The president of the committee this year is Jim Bob McNeil. McNeil is
also in charge of the youth fund and is in his third year on the rodeo
committee.
Ray Owen is the finance chairman and president elect. He is in his third
year on the rodeo committee.
Glen Garland is in charge of sales and advertising and box seats.
Garland is in his second year on the committee.
Rickey Exum is production chairman and past president of the committee.
He is in his fifteenth year on the committee.
Other committee members and their duties on the rodeo committee are:
Doug Fernandes, adviser, past president; Rick Bracy, grounds and repair;
Ed Fernandes, livestock and local events; Lisa Fernandes bumper
stickers, boot scramble and barrel racing; Jim Moore, grounds and
repair; Hugh Box, grounds and repair; Starkey Warren, cattle sorting;
Isaac Martinez, arena grounds and repair; Gaston Tarango, rodeo "Scratch
Off" and box seats; Brenda McKinney, buckles, finance and bumper
stickers; Annis Raspberry, secretary, tickets, and youth fund; Bailey
Wheelis, adviser; Roger Harrison, grounds and repair and past president;
Jimmy Martinez, livestock, arena and past president; Sharlene Martinez,
dances, past president; Terry Fowler, grounds and repair; Jodi Exum,
souvenir program, appreciation dinner and hospitality room; Bana
Armstrong, souvenir program, appreciation dinner and hospitality room;
Dale Haws, cattle sorting; Peggy Walker, finance, advertising packages,
corresponding secretary and appreciation dinner; Scott Grote, livestock;
Debbie Thomas, trade show and appreciation dinner; Paul Armstrong,
adviser; Billy Wayne Stroud, arena; Cole Armstrong, livestock and local
events; Deb Armstrong, box seats chairman; Matt Burkholder, concessions;
Steve Armstrong, adviser and past president; John Morrow, dances and sponsors; Will Fernandes, local events; and Jim Kenney, adviser.
For others, it's more than just a hobby, but at the same time, it's not
a year-round occupation.
Most of the members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys As¬ sociation
compete as a sideline to their regular jobs, and as a result, will
probably never earn a trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
However, for the past eight years, those cowboys have had a national
finals of their own.
The Dodge National Circuit Fi¬ nals Rodeo takes place in March in
Pocatello, Idaho, and offered $415,000 in prize money last year.
Contestants are the top cow¬ boys drawn from each of the 12 sections of
the PRCA Circuit Sys¬ tem, with Texas, Montana and California (Sierra)
having their own circuits.
Cowboys whose vocational or family commitments rule out the possibility
of chasing a world title often limit their travel to their cir¬ cuit, or
region, and are able to compete on a professional level without
traveling coast to coast.
Because so many PRCA mem¬ bers compete on the circuit level and because
so many of those cir¬ cuit cowboys have rodeo roots that run deep in
their family trees, the circuit contestants often are considered the
true backbone of the Association.
Cowboys can compete within their circuit not only for prize money,
sport and prestige, but also for a circuit championship, which was
created in 1987. The Circuit System offers both recog¬ nition and
financial reward.
Each circuit within the PRCA system functions independently and is
governed within the PRCA's framework by its own board of directors. PRCA
contes¬ tants earn circuit "points" only when competing within the
circuit in which they are registered. The accumulated points at year's
end determine circuit champions, making it easy for rodeo fans to follow
their hometown heroes.
In addition, top circuit cow¬ boys can qualify to compete in their
respective circuit finals ro¬ deo at the conclusion of each sea¬son.
Invited to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo are the regu¬
lar-season champions of each cir¬ cuit, as well as the event winner from
all 12 circuit finals rodeos. Often, the DNCFR brings to¬ gether cowboys
from throughout the country who otherwise might not compete outside
their circuit.
The PRCA's circuit system, established in 1974, provides a valuable
function that complements professional rodeo's continuing growth. It
offers circuit cowboys a professional competition atmosphere, and allows them to compete side by side with world champions.
Alpine saddlemaker Gary Dunshee crafted the hand-tooled leather carry-on
bag to be awarded the all-around cowboy, McKinney said.
The bag features the rodeo, with a bucking broncho on one side with the
words "Pecos, Texas, Home of the World's First Rodeo."
On the other side is "All-around Cowboy 97, West of the Pecos Rodeo."
Dunshee made a leather hanging bag for the all-around award in 1995 and
a complementary carry-on bag last year.
Belt buckles were crafted by Gist Silversmith of Placerville, Calif. They have been displayed at both banks during pre-rodeo festivities.
Jackson, who announced the West of the Pecos Rodeo for over 50 years,
remained in attendance at the West of the Pecos Rodeo after leaving that
post and served as guest announcer several times prior to his death in
1993.
Jackson, who also served as Reeves County Sheriff in the years just
after World War II, was known for his repertoire of stories and ency¬
clopedic knowledge of rodeo. He started announcing the rodeo in 1928,
when it was still done on horseback.
"I attend a lot of agriculture meetings all over the country and
wherever I've gone over the years people have asked me about Buck,"
Harrison said at the time the action was taken. "Everybody in the busi¬
ness knew him."
Being a rodeo announcer requires the ability of fill in slow spots in
the show with "the gift of gab," and probably no one west of the Pecos
could excel Jackson at the trick.
"It just comes to me naturally what to say. I'll see someone or
something in the arena and it'll remind me of a joke or a story," he
told one interviewer.
But, Jackson's contribution wasn't a joke or a story. He also knew the
cowboys, the events and the rules.
He watched the West of the Pecos rodeo grow from an event where most of
the contestants were amateurs, full-time cowboys out for the prize
money, to one where most are professional rodeo hands and members of the Rodeo Cowboys Association.
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Copyright 1997 by Pecos Enterprise
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
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Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
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