Clarkson's first rodeo rides into town

Clarkson Rodeo Days brings a full show of equestrian events.

There hasn't been a rodeo in the area for years, committee member Jan Miller said. The Town of Clarkson and the Clarkson Horseman Association are sponsoring the professional rodeo.

"We're going to offer competitions that are pointed and awarded," Miller said. "The pros that run the circuit do it from a professional standpoint, like NASCAR racing," she said. "There may be some local competitors, especially in the cowgirl barrel racing, team roping or junior bull riding."

Competitors can't sign up until right before the rodeo event so there is really no way of knowing which local competitors will be on hand.

Rodeo events include: Brahma bull riding, bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team steer roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, calf scramble and specialty acts. The three day event also features merchandise, food and drink vendors as well as disc jockey entertainment Friday night and live music by country band Julie Dunlap on Saturday. A cowboy church service is scheduled on the rodeo grounds on Sunday at 10 a.m.

"We're also going to have a mechanical bull," Miller said. "That's a big hit with the younger people … and with some not so young."

The undertaking to bring the rodeo to town has been "huge," Miller said. "There is a group of about 10 of us from the Horseman Association who have really worked to bring this together."

She said the arena area was available but bleachers have to be brought in and ticket booths must be built. Extensions for water and electricity were also necessary for the event. Town of Clarkson officials and Pat Tooley, association president, have been working almost non stop since the weather broke to get the grounds prepared, Miller said.

"There have been so many others that have really stepped up to the plate to solicit sponsors, get the publicity rolling, get the town people behind us, put a program together, get posters and tickets printed and to enlist the hundreds of volunteers necessary to run the event," she said. "It's been a big undertaking but the results are going to pay off as this rodeo is going to be a huge, annual event."

The Clarkson Horseman Association sponsors three shows annually, including one in coordination with Clarkson Good Neighbor Days. The association has grown from 30 members five years ago to almost 100, Miller said.

Miller said there is something for everyone at the three day rodeo. "It's going to be a fast-paced event from the bull and bronc riding to the steer wrestling and barrel racing," she said. "We also have a clown act throughout the competition."

There will also be a junior bull riding event and a performance by Willard Powell who combines Native American culture with the art of Roman Riding.

The event, being held at the Clarkson Horseman Arena at the corner of Route 19 and 104, kicks off Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m. and ends with the DJ performance at 11 p.m. Hours on Saturday are 8 p.m. for the rodeo events. The Julie Dunlap Band performs at 11 p.m. On Sunday, the day starts off with the cowboy church service at 10 a.m. followed by rodeo events at 1 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available at Hilton Big M, Ryan's Big M and Wegmans. Tickets are also available at the gate: $12 adults; $6 children, six to 12 years old; children under five are free. Write to: Clarkson Horseman Association, P.O. Box 764, Clarkson, NY 14430 for tickets. Check out the website at www.clarksonrodeo.com for information.