| |||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National rodeo finals return to San Juan CountyFARMINGTON, N.M. (AP)--San Juan County will host the 2008 and 2009 National High School Rodeo Finals, and officials said the events promise to be bigger and better than last time. The finals' two-year stint at the fairgrounds east of Farmington in 2002 and 2003 was big business for the region, according to Beth Utley, executive director of Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association. "At that time, it brought in more than $12 million to the local economy. For a 10-day event, that's not too bad," Utley said. In preparation for the rodeo's return, the Farmington City Council approved an agreement recently with the cities of Aztec and Bloomfield and the county to host the finals at McGee Park. There was also talk about making the county a permanent home for the event, said Mike Waybourn, a member of the governor's Rodeo Commission. He said the area has the best facilities and support for the rodeo. The 2006 finals will be in Springfield, Ill. The event has also been held in Gillette, Wyo. Utley said rodeo officials cited McGee Park's facilities and expanded trailer and RV spaces when the bid to host the 2008 and 2009 finals was first awarded in 2004. During the 2002 and 2003 finals, more than 1,500 contestants participated and family and fans came with them. For 2008, Utley said the finals will feature twice-daily performances, a trade show, the crowning of the High School Rodeo queen and a rodeo competition for special needs participants. A shooting competition co-sponsored by the National Rifle Association also is planned for rodeo contestants. Date: 7/27/06
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
