Set to take place at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds this weekend, this year’s Roundup promises to produce its usual array of thrills.
In addition to showcasing some of the sport of rodeo’s top competitors, this year’s Roundup will feature family-friendly events that are sure to entertain.
Pre-rodeo events
Kicking off the pre-rodeo events was the Chuck Wagon Dinner, which took place at the Cortez City Park on June 4 at 5:30 p.m. Roughly 160 pounds of beef, 50 pounds of potatoes, 30 pounds of beans and 20 cherry and peach cobblers were served at the event, which featured several local performers, who recited cowboy poetry and sang songs.
Also taking place as part of pre-rodeo lineup was the first annual Rob Yates Memorial Cowboy Golf Tournament. The tournament took place at Conquistador Golf Course on June 5.
Included in this year’s Roundup to honor longtime rodeo board member Yates, who lost his life in a snowmobile accident earlier this year, the tournament offered numerous competitors the opportunity to enjoy 18 holes of action.
Rodeo events
This year’s rodeo events will begin at 7 p.m. June 5-7.
Seven events will be featured at this year’s Roundup, including bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping.
As of June 3, the Roundup had received 196 entries.
“In our community, (the Roundup) could be the largest event in terms of attendance,” said former Rodeo Chairman Slim McWilliams.
Rodeo parade
Accompanying this year’s rodeo events will be the Ute Mountain Rodeo Parade, which will take place along Main Street on June 7. The parade will begin at 5 p.m.
This year’s parade will not have a theme, but will be held in memory of Rob Yates. Numerous floats will take part in the parade, as well as veterans’ organizations, youth groups and marching bands. Members of this year’s rodeo royalty will also take part in the parade.
Top competitors
As in past years, the Roundup will feature several skilled competitors, including some of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the world.
Among the cowgirls headlining this year’s field will be two-time barrel racing world champion Brittany Pozzi, who will compete on Thursday night.
Also bringing top-level skill to the barrel racing event will be Mary Walker, who finished third overall in the world standings in 2012 and will compete on Saturday.
Headlining the cowboys in this year’s Roundup will be Josh Peek, whose skill as an all-around cowboy has gained him national acclaim. Peek will compete in tie-down roping and steer wrestling on Friday night.
Other top cowboys competing in the Roundup include four-time world champion team roper Allen Bach and four-time world champion team roper Jake Barnes.
Top entertainment
Promising to provide plenty of outstanding humor and lots of exciting acts, Keith Isley will serve as the specialty act/barrelman at the Roundup.
Nationally known for his gut buckling humor and pre-rehearsed acts, Isley’s show thrills audience members of all ages.
Also providing entertainment this year will be the band Vanishing Breed, which will be performing June 6 and June 7 at the American Legion dance after the conclusion of nightly rodeo events.
For more information regarding this year’s Ute Mountain Roundup, visit www.utemountainroundup.org.