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Annual Cody rodeo starts up
CODY, Wyo. (AP)--Marking its 70th consecutive year, the Cody Nite Rodeo began a new season June 1 offering traditional favorites and new attractions. The first-ever Xtreme Bulls event in Cody is set for June 30, and eight-time world champion bull rider Donnie Gay will serve as grand marshal for the Fourth of July Stampede Parade. Tim Mahieu, a Cody Stampede director and president of the Cody Chamber of Commerce, said the rodeo remains a "great tourist attraction that gives people a reason to stay another night in Cody." He praised the work of rodeo promoters Maury and Nikki Tate, saying their efforts have made a big difference in growing attendance. Among last year's special events was a Hells Angels bull rider tournament, and this year is likely to see other new ideas, Nikki Tate said. "We may do a special military appreciation night once a month," she said. "We're definitely open to new ideas and promotions." Claudia Wade, marketing director for the Park County Travel Council, said Cody will be featured as a unique vacation destination and rodeo town in televised coverage of the Xtreme Bulls event. The Xtreme Bulls tour includes 12 events each year in which 40 top bull riders compete for up to $50,000 in prize money at each contest. Wade said coverage of Xtreme Bulls on the ESPN cable sports network will include background segments on Cody. "We're very excited about coming to Cody," said Sam Dunn, general manager for the Xtreme Bulls tour. "We think it's going to be one of our best events of the year." Dunn said because the Xtreme Bulls prize money counts toward standings for the National Finals Rodeo, the tour generally draws top riders. "If you need $80,000 in winnings to make the National Finals, and on one night in Cody you can ride two bulls and win $20,000, that's what attracts the best athletes," Dunn said. Wade said the Cody Stampede board agreed to host Xtreme Bulls this year, with an option to renew next year. Though gasoline prices may have cut into last year's rodeo attendance, Mahieu said early indications are that summer reservations in Cody are at or above expectations. "Right now, we're cautiously optimistic that gas prices are not going to have too much of an effect," he said. Date: 6/28/07
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