Greensburg prepares for 43rd Annual Rodeo despite tornado

By Kylene Orebaugh

Rodeo stock contractor, Mike Greenleaf was in Guthrie, Okla., when his hometown was destroyed by a powerful tornado on May 4. The Greensburg, Kan., native was shocked to see the town in the daylight the following day, and wondered if having the annual rodeo would be an option.

But in the rodeo business, the show must go on. Set for May 25 and 26, the 43rd Annual Greensburg Rodeo will go on as scheduled, and Greenleaf is making sure this show goes on for the Greensburg residents for free.

"This is something I can do for them," Greenleaf said. "I'm not a plumber or a heavy equipment operator, but this (rodeo) is something positive I can do for them."

As owner of the Medicine River Rodeo Company, Greenleaf is not charging the Triangle Rodeo Club a dime to put on the rodeo. His crew, including announcers, pickup men and other personnel will donate their time. There has been speculation among contestants that their winnings may be given back to the town and club.

Rod Pratt, KPRA president thinks having the rodeo as planned will benefit the town of Greensburg in more ways than one. The KPRA will present the Triangle Rodeo Club a special recognition during the May 26 performance--donating what would have been the sanction fee for the rodeo back to the club.

"It's going to be very good for the community and KPRA," Pratt said.

KPRA Vice President, Jim Boy Hash also believes the rodeo will do something more.

"The healing process has begun and this rodeo will be part of that healing process," Hash said. "This rodeo will give people a chance to get together (for) fellowship, to remember old times, good and bad."

And it's those good times that keep contestants coming back each year to Greensburg. Both Hash and Pratt have competed at the Greensburg rodeo, and Hash had an opportunity to spend some time in the town last year and was impressed at how the community supports the rodeo.

"I did not realize how much that town and the surrounding area truly enjoys coming out to watch a rodeo," Hash said. "People that are involved with rodeos and livestock are pretty resilient people, and I'm learning that people in Greensburg that have lost everything are pretty resilient as well."

Greenleaf has spearheaded the effort to keep the annual Greensburg rodeo on the calendar for the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association, and ensures that both contestants and spectators will be safe. Crews of volunteers have been at the arena working diligently to get the facility safe.

"Only about 40 percent of the arena was torn up," Greenleaf said. "We are going to replace some of the fence and posts, then line it with panels."

Blattner Feedlot Construction has loaned the rodeo panels, and other plans are in the works for setting up a makeshift announcer stand, concession and restrooms. Greenleaf said every effort has been made to clear the area from debris. There will be designated parking areas for both spectators and contestants.

Greenleaf stressed that he is just not putting on a rodeo for the cowboys--he's putting it on for his hometown. And even though it will only be three short weeks following the destructive tornado, Greenleaf expects the town to get more than entertainment out of the two and a half hour show.

"My hope for them is to come out here for two and a half hours and enjoy a good rodeo," Greenleaf said. "They need something positive, and Memorial Day weekend has always been a big thing in this town. The town would triple in population on a normal year."

Greenleaf said people have told him that class reunions that were already canceled because of the tornado damage have been put back on because of the rodeo.

Hash also recognizes the importance of the holiday weekend.

"People should change any plans they might have to be able to attend this rodeo," Hash said. "I can't think of any better way to help support this town than to come out and enjoy a rodeo that benefits people in need."

Entries open for the rodeo, which is also co-sanctioned by the Texas Cowboys Rodeo Association, on May 21. Performances will begin at 8 p.m., on May 25 and 26, and a slack performance will be held May 24 at 7 p.m. Greenleaf reminds contestants there is no water, electricity or facilities available at the grounds, and to be prepared for the unexpected.

For more information about the rodeo contact Greenleaf at 620-546-4359 or the KPRA at 580-349-5772; or visit www.kansasprorodeo.com.

Kylene Orebaugh can be reached by phone at 620-227-1804 or by e-mail at kscott@hpj.com.

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5/21/07

Date: 5/15/07

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