Rodeo cowboys to converge on J. Neils Park

Working on a tight budget with financially-challenged sponsors during a nationwide economic downturn, the PRCA Kootenai River Rodeo certainly had plenty of obstacles to get out of the gate this year.

But as the Libby Area Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, Dusti Thompson, said on Tuesday, the Libby rodeo slated for July 24-25 will feature an exceptional stock contractor, champion bullfighter and a rodeo clown that is developing quite a reputation around the Pacific Northwest.

“Attendance was really good last year,” Thompson said. “We kept the ticket prices the same. Due to the economy, we felt it wasn’t fair to raise the prices.”

Ticket sales definitely will be a key number to watch for rodeo organizers. Two years ago, the rodeo’s attendance came in at around 2,500 for the two-day event. Last year, those numbers surpassed 2,600 with more than 1,200 patrons for the Friday performance and another 1,400-plus on Saturday.

The rodeo debuted in 2004 in a new arena at J. Neils Memorial Park. A grant from the city financed the new arena project. In the second year, grandstands were added to the bleacher section.

For the second straight year, the rodeo’s purse and added money stands at $20,000 – equal to the event’s largest ever. Montanore Minerals is co-sponsor of the rodeo and last week presented a $20,000 check to the chamber to cover the purse.

“The ones that started with us have really stepped up to the plate this year and found the money someway, somehow,” Thompson said about sponsors. “We lost some smaller sponsors because they simply don’t have the money.”

The rodeo this year is working on a $60,000 budget, up $5,000 from the previous year.

The event is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Dodge Series and the Montana Pro Rodeo circuit.

JS Rodeo Co. out of Vaughn returns for a second straight year as stock contractor. The company has developed a reputation for providing a high percentage of quality bucking horses with stock from established Canadian bloodlines.

Pro bullfighter Mick Thompson returns to the Libby rodeo arena. Thompson, who works out of West Richland, Wash., has worked the event since its inception six years ago.

A new rodeo clown will debut this year with the talents of J.J. Harrison.

“He’s not your typical clown, not the traditional rodeo clown,” said Dusti Thompson, who said she heard about Harrison through word of mouth.

Harrison is now in his third year in the PRCA and entertains through his “quick wit and walk and talk antics.” The Libby rodeo represents his lone appearance in Montana this year.

The two days of the rodeo will feature events that fans have seen in past years, such as the mechanical bull, beer garden and live music until midnight. The queen coronation will occur on Friday evening (gates open at 4:30 p.m. both nights) and various vendors will be on hand. On Saturday night, the post-rodeo entertainment will feature a fireworks show.

Country Legends out of Libby will play both nights.

The rodeo is promoting the Lincoln County Centennial with hat and bandana giveaways.

An event called “Hometown Barrels” will hit the arena on Friday night at around 9:30 following the rodeo. Prize money will be paid out of entry fees.

For those interested in racing – men or women – contact the chamber office for the necessary forms.

PRCA Kootenai River Rodeo

Friday

• 4:30 p.m. – Gates open for pre-rodeo events (vendors, beer garden and mechanical bull).

• 7 p.m. – Montanore Minerals check presentation of $20,000 and Queen Coronation.

• 7:30 p.m. – Rodeo begins with Grand Entry.

• 9:30 p.m. (Approx.) – “Hometown Barrels” barrel racing.

• Afterward – Country Legends in concert, mechanical bull and beer garden.

Saturday

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Autograph session by cowboys and rodeo performers at Timberline Auto Center, Libby.

• 4:30 p.m. – Gates open for pre-rodeo events (vendors, beer garden and mechanical bull).

• 7:30 p.m. – Rodeo begins with Grand Entry.

• Afterward – Fireworks show, Country Legends in concert, mechanical bull and beer garden.