Mackenzie Bode
CATTLEMEN.S DAYS S
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Evening Carnival
FRIDAY, JULY 5
9:00 AM 4-H Horse Show
Evening Carnival
SATURDAY, JULY 6
2:00 PM Ranch Rodeo (Auction prior)
Evening Carnival
SUNDAY, JULY 7
8:00 AM Open Horse Show
MONDAY, JULY 8
9:00 AM 4-H Dog Show
7:00 PM Cowboy Poetry at the Fairgrounds, in the Hospitality Tent
TUESDAY, JULY 9
July 9-13 4-H General Projects displayed at Fairgrounds
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
8:30 AM 4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show
5:30 PM Watershed Team Roping & Barrel Racing (Auction prior)
THURSDAY, JULY 11
9:00 AM PRCA Rodeo Slack
10:00 AM 4-H & FFA Swine Show
2:30 PM 4-H & FFA Sheep Show
6:30 PM PRCA Pre-Rodeo Show
7:00 PM PRCA Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo #1 TETWP in America | Everybody wear PINK! 9:30 PM Parking Lot Party at 5B’s BBQ with live music from the Jeffrey Alan Band
FRIDAY, JULY 12
8:30 AM 4-H & FFA Goat Show
10:30 AM 4-H & FFA Cattle Show 1:30 PM 4-H & FFA Round Robin Showmanship 6:30 PM PRCA Pre-Rodeo Show 7:00 PM PRCA Rodeo | Patriot Night | WEAR RED WHITE & BLUE
SATURDAY, JULY 13
10:00 AM Cattlemen’s Days Parade 12:30 PM 4-H Junior Livestock Buyer’s BBQ
1:30 PM 4-H Junior Livestock Auction
6:30 PM PRCA Pre-Rodeo Show
7:00 PM PRCA Rodeo | Gunnison Ranchland Conservation Legacy
SUNDAY, JULY 14 9:00 AM Cowboy Church at the Fairgrounds
ROOTED IN THE
REACHING FOR THE Future PasT
By Brad Tutor
Welcome to the 2024 Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo, the longest continuous rodeo in Colorado and fourth-longest in the nation. From rodeo in the streets in 1900 to the
Fred Field Western Heritage Center we use today, we are very proud to put on the best showcase of the rich western history and traditions that made the Gunnison Valley what it is today.
From our dynamic 4-H programs, horse shows, entertainment, parade and carnival, all the way through to the best Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo around, Gunnison is the place to be in July! The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo is nationally recognized as a top-five, mediumsized rodeo, and traditionally brings in the very best cowboys and cowgirls each and every year. We are very excited to bring in a new event for this year, breakaway roping. This fast-paced event for women is rapidly growing and very exciting to watch.
Our award-winning announcer, stock contractor, comedy acts and others work together to offer a show you do not want to miss. We are proud to present three nights of rodeo, celebrating Cattlemen’s Days
Tough Enough to Wear Pink on Thursday, our Patriot Night rodeo on Friday and the Ranchland Conservation Legacy rodeo on Saturday. We couldn’t do this without our amazing rodeo committee, countless volunteers and an extremely supportive community. These volunteers work tirelessly to provide the best experience for all.
We are also very proud of the scholarship programs we provide to allow students to pursue their studies in agriculture and help the next generation keep our heritage growing into the future. This is evident in our parade theme for this year, “Rooted in the Past, Reaching for the Future.”
I encourage you to be a part of our 124th Cattlemen’s Days celebration!
(Brad Tutor is president of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee.)
ALAN WARTES MEDIA
Publisher
Brian Cooper
Chrissy Mitchell
COMMUNITY STRONG
Cancer support nonprofit expands vision
By Mackenzie Bode
This summer, Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink (Gunnison TETWP) aims to separate from the Cattlemen’s Days organization, having transformed itself into Gunnison Tough, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer programs that keep our community strong. After 19 years of growing stories of solidarity, compassion and triumph, Gunnison Tough is taking a path toward an even brighter, more connected future.
Strength in the Gunnison Valley begins at its roots, demonstrated in the 124-year-long tradition of the Gunnison’s Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo. Once a small, local celebration, it was established as a nonprofit organization in 1960.
In 2004, Wrangler became a corporate sponsor of TETWP, a national cancer support organization. The idea was to raise money and awareness for breast cancer by challenging rodeo competitors and fans alike to wear pink during a special National Finals Rodeo performance. At the same time, the goal was to provide a nationally-recognized campaign and framework for rodeos and western events to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising that benefitted local communities.
In 2005, the Gunnison Valley lost a beloved community member to breast cancer, spurring members of the Cattlemen’s Days committee to establish a Gunnison chapter of TETWP that would host a “pink” rodeo and local fundraising campaign. In 2006, the community suffered another devastating loss. This time, they were a TETWP advocate and member of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee.
To honor this lost friend, Dean Dillon, a passionate and dedicated community man, talented rodeo athlete and legendary Nashville singer-songwriter, hosted the first Gunnison TETWP Concert and Auction fundraiser in Crested Butte along with his wife, Susie. The Dillons became pivotal advocates and influencers for the next decade of Gunnison TETWP’s growth.
From 2007 to 2018, Gunnison TETWP grew exponentially to meet the needs of the community. The organization founded programs and purchased equipment to address specific gaps in support for breast cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment — all
Recipients of the 2023 survivor buckle. (Courtesy Gunnison Tough)
identified first-hand by community members and the local hospital. Gunnison TETWP established a transportation program in 2016 with “Tuffy,” a reliable vehicle available to clients for out-oftown treatments and appointments. Two years later, Carol Ann May and Jim Saindon donated a second transportation vehicle, “Bucky.” Gunnison TETWP was then able to extend the transportation program to anyone with any kind of cancer diagnosis.
In 2019, a housing program, Lucy’s House, was established by Norman and Dorothy Eastwood. That same year, the organization’s fundraising campaign hit a new milestone: $500,000 in a single summer.
Far-reaching impacts
If you stand in a room of 300 people and ask them to raise a hand if their life has been touched by cancer, 300 hands would rise. Cancer has found a way to infiltrate each and every life in some form. A new era for the organization began in 2019, when a majority of existing programs became available to people with all cancers. The community’s significant need brought larger questions to the staff and board: What can make us stronger, in order to provide more support? The answers were partnerships, collaboration and capitalizing on opportunities.
Gunnison TETWP delved deeper into intentional and visionary conversations with partners in the community, like Gunnison Valley Hospital
and the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley. These conversations prioritized the longevity and sustainability of the organization, and explored which opportunities might best maximize TETWP’s impact. The dream of having the best rural cancer hospital in the nation gave new life to Gunnison TETWP’s vision.
In the summer of 2023, Gunnison TETWP hit another milestone by raising over $1 million for its cancer programs. In partnership with the Community Foundation, Gunnison TETWP established the Dean Dillon Gunnison Tough Endowment Fund to celebrate the Dillons’ early advocacy efforts, while creating an opportunity for the organization's work to continue. Applying for grants became critically important for advancing and capitalizing on funding opportunities. However, operating as a restricted fund for the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo committee created some challenges for the organization and confused some donors and grantors, thus limiting Gunnison TETWP as it sought to move to the next level for the community.
In 2024, Gunnison TETWP is thrilled to take the next step toward economic sustainability and supporting those who call the Gunnison Valley home. Gunnison TETWP is becoming Gunnison Tough, its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with an independent board of trustees focused on the organization’s mission.
Once the transition is complete, Gunnison Tough will continue to serve the community as it did with Cattlemen’s Days TETWP. The roots of the organization will be honored each year as
Gunnison Tough will continue a partnership with the Cattlemen’s Days Committee to put on the #1 Tough Enough To Wear Pink Rodeo in the PRCA. The nonprofit will also grow its other beloved programs, events and fundraisers. Gunnison Tough will continue fostering a close relationship with Gunnison Valley Hospital to secure the support that every person deserves when it comes to awareness, preventative, diagnostic and treatment care.
“This grassroots organization has grown up and is successful because of this unique Gunnison Valley community,” said Gunnison Tough Executive Director Heidi Sherratt.
As Sherratt steps into her 10th year as executive director of the organization, she recognizes that what the organization has accomplished could not be done in many other places.
Since 2005, the organization has raised over $6 million and has big plans to keep the Gunnison Valley community strong. Visit GunnisonTough. com to learn more, find upcoming events or to make a donation today.
(Mackenzie Bode is the development and media director for Gunnison Tough.)
An ABUS machine, used to detect cancer, purchased for Gunnison Valley Health in 2023.
Patient transport vehicles “Tuffy” and “Bucky.”
The 2023 Songwriter Shuffle concert.
Dean Dillon at the 2024 Winter Songwriter Shuffle concert.
WHAT TO DO DURING cattlemen ’ s Days
July 3-6
The Cattlemen’s Days carnival has new dates and a new location. Enjoy classic rides and games at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds every evening from July 3-6. Carnival hours are July 3 from 5-11 p.m. and July 4-6 from 2-11 p.m. Advance tickets are $35 at cattlemensdays.com or $40 at the gate.
July 5
Suzy Bogguss will perform at the I-Bar Ranch at 8 p.m. Find tickets and more information at ibarranch. com/music.
July 6
Brothers Helping Brothers supports mental health awareness in the Gunnison Valley with food trucks, a cornhole tournament, putt-putt golf and live music from Kevin Walter, Evelyn Roper, The Johnny Kongo Trio and the Tyron Benoit Band. Games begin at noon with live music from 2:30-11 p.m. Find tickets and more information at ibarranch.com/music.
July 8
The Cattlemen's Days Cowboy Poetry and Song program will be held at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds in the hospitality tent on July 8 at 7 p.m.
July 10
Paul Cauthen will perform at the I-Bar Ranch at 8:30 p.m. Find tickets and more information at ibarranch. com/music.
July 11
5B’s BBQ will host a rodeo after-party from 9 p.m. to midnight with live music from Austin Wahlert and his band. Food and drinks will be available.
July 12-13
Enjoy two nights of live music and dancing at the Gunnison Elks Lodge with Six Bucks and A Flight. Tickets are $20 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m.
July 13
The Cattlemen’s Days parade takes place from 10-11 a.m. in downtown Gunnison.
July 16
This year’s Gunnison Tough Songwriter Shuffle Concert and Auction will be at the Almont Resort. Enjoy performances by Nashville singer-songwriters, with dinner and drinks provided by local chefs. This is a fundraiser for Gunnison Tough’s efforts to support cancer prevention, detection and individuals diagnosed in our community. Find tickets and more information at gunnisontetwp.com.
Rodeo information
July 11 is Tough Enough To Wear Pink Night, July 12 is Patriot Night and July 13 is Ranchland Conservancy Night. All rodeos begin at 7 p.m. and gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Park on the street or the southeast parking lot at the fairgrounds. Handicapped parking with a shuttle will be available at the southeast lot. Visit cattlemensdays.com or the booth at Gunnison Bank and Trust for advance tickets and more information.
Gunnison • Crested Butte • Denver
2024 CATTLEMEN’S DAYS PARADE MARSHALS legacies remembered
By Ted Harbin
The loss of a loved one is always tough. Folks in the Gunnison Valley were dealt a heavy blow this year during some of the coldest months. Brett Redden and Dale Irby, both vibrant members of the community and longtime supporters of the annual Cattlemen’s Days celebration, died a few months ago, leaving behind grieving families and a town that mourns their losses as spring rolls into summer.
“Dale and Brett were best friends in school,” said Wendy Redden, Brett’s sister. “They grew up together, ran together. They were both from ranching families at different ends of the valley. For them to pass away at about the same time, it was pretty tough.”
Brett died in early December. Dale passed seven weeks later. Their lives met at a crossroads decades ago, and that friendship remained intact. They will both be remembered as honorary marshals at this year’s Cattlemen’s Days parade, which begins at 10 a.m. on July 13.
“I think it’s neat that [the Cattlemen’s Days committee] is doing it this way,” said Jackson Irby, one of Dale’s two sons. “Dad did so much for this community and so much for Cattlemen’s Days. He served many years on that board and did a lot of the background work for mine and my brother’s 4-H projects and even for my girls’ projects. What’s going to hit everybody the most this year is not having him as the ‘yup-yup’ man during
the 4-H auction.”
That’s the way Dale and Brett were raised and how they lived their lives. Both volunteered many years for Cattlemen’s Days, and served as committee presidents during their respective times on the executive board.
“Dale and Brett were integral to Cattlemen’s Days,” said committee president Brad Tutor. “They served our community for a long time, and they will be missed. I have no doubt in my mind that if they were here, they’d be involved with this year’s [events] in some fashion.”
Brett’s dedication to the event was recognized last July when he was named Cattlemen’s Days’ Committeeman of the Year, and awarded a pair of spurs. It’s a memory his family holds tightly.
“It’s so special that they gave him that award before he died. If he were here, he’d be very humbled to be named the parade marshal, just as he was when he was awarded Committeeman of the Year,” Wendy said. “When he got those Montana Silversmiths spurs last year, he carried them with him in his pickup everywhere he went. He didn’t make a big deal of it, but he’d be sitting around and would quietly take that box out and say, ‘Look at what I got.’ He’d be very humble about it and say that there’s probably more deserving people than him, but in my eyes, I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving.”
While that’s a sister’s take, many others agree with her. As a kid, Brett was involved in ag-based programs, including Future Farmers of America and 4-H. He carried that same passion and love for this way of life into
adulthood. He did so alongside his longtime friend, Dale. They were both heavily involved in 4-H and helped the next generation of ranchers and farmers thrive.
“Dad’s favorite part of Cattlemen’s Days used to be the horse races. He was one of the judges and loved being part of that. He would be humbled and appreciate being named a parade marshal, but he wouldn’t think he deserved it,” Jackson said. Dad would do anything for anybody, but he wouldn’t want anybody to do that for him. He helped neighbors out even when he was dog tired. I think the thing everybody loved about him, too, was that he always had the best advice. I’ve had several people come up to me and say, ‘I didn’t realize what your dad did for me, but I really appreciate it now.’”
Memories of Brett and Dale will live a long time. Their friends and families will share them when they gather together at casual gatherings or during Cattlemen’s Days each year.
“The fact that those two are honorary parade marshals is a huge recognition,” Wendy said. “Being a parade marshal is an elite message, and it shows the involvement both of them had in this community and for Cattlemen’s Days. It means a lot to the families.”
(Ted Harbin is the Cattlemen’s Days media director.)
Brett Redden (Courtesy Wendy Redden)
Dale Irby (Courtesy Cody Irby)
CAPTURED
Mackenzie Bode
A rodeo cowboy waits to mount the bucking bronco he drew for the evening’s ride.
By Maggie Reid
HOLDING COURT rodeo style
Presenting the 2024 Cattlemen’s Days Royalty
Every good organization has a smiling spokesperson to represent its values and promote its cause. In the rodeo world, it’s rodeo royalty.
This year’s Cattlemen’s Days court consists of Queen Margo Anderson, Princess Genevieve Williams and Junior Miss Lena Clarke.
The girls range from 9 to 18 years old and are skilled in horsemanship and public speaking. They represent Cattlemen’s Days at various rodeos, parades and events across the state. Local events they’ve participated in include the National Rifle Association Banquet and Night of Lights.
QUEEN MARGO ANDERSON
Margo Anderson is an 18-year-old barrel racer from Gunnison. She coaches gymnastics for the Gunnison Rec Center and enjoys working with her horses.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to keep coaching gymnastics, and I just started a job at Fantasy Ranch in Crested Butte. I also work with my mom in her cleaning business. I think I’ll keep doing that for a little while. I don’t plan to go to school unless there’s something I need to go to school for.
What activities outside of rodeo do you enjoy?
I definitely enjoy gymnastics as well as dirt biking and snowmobiling.
What is your favorite part of rodeo?
Barrel racing. It’s the main thing that I do. I used to trick ride, but now it’s just barrel racing.
The tryout process for rodeo royalty is fun, yet challenging. The girls are required to perform a reining pattern (a series of movements to showcase control of the horse) and hot lap (a fast lap around the arena) with their horses to show that they are skilled riders. To feature their public speaking abilities, they are each required to give a speech and complete an interview.
Tryouts take place in July at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. After receiving their titles, the girls are committed to an entire year in their roles. If they wish to try out again the following year, they may do so, but are only allowed two terms.
The 2024 rodeo royalty will make many appearances during Cattlemen’s Days.
PRINCESS GENEVIEVE WILLIAMS
Genevieve Williams is 14 years old and a freshman at Gunnison High School. She loves to ride horses with her family, start colts and raise and show her small cattle herd.
What do you do in 4-H?
I’ve been in 4-H for almost seven years. I show market steers, breeding beef and market sheep. My favorite is breeding beef because I get to breed my cows and watch their calves grow up. Watching it all from the start and seeing my herd grow is fun.
What do you want to do when you’re older?
I want to be a rancher and train horses. I have eight horses right now and a small cattle herd.
Do you train your own horses?
Yes. I have a 2-year-old colt that I’ll start working with next year and a yearling that I’ll start in two years.
What is your favorite part of rodeo?
My favorite part of rodeo is breakaway roping.
JUNIOR MISS LENA CLARKE
Lena Clarke is 9 years old and in fourth grade at Gunnison Community School. She is the fifth generation of a ranching family on Tomichi Creek.
What do you enjoy outside of rodeo?
I like to dance. I enjoy all kinds of dance but my favorite is jazz because I like the music.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a lawyer.
What is your horse’s name?
I have multiple horses but the one I
What is your favorite part of rodeo?
Barrel racing.
a bazillion ways to learn 4-H OFFERS A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITY
By Perri Pelletier
In the Gunnison community, many people know 4-H as an organization that helps young people learn how to raise livestock and develop their horse riding skills. While there are scores of local 4-H youth working with horses and livestock this summer, it may be surprising to learn that there are just as many pursuing other 4-H projects.
Some are working with companion animals like dogs or rabbits. Others are taking on “general projects” that do not involve animals at all. Youth development is the mission of 4-H, empowering young people to build life skills by exploring new interests alongside caring adults. This year, 156 local youth are growing through the program’s diverse offerings.
Jayce Jannsen is taking the 4-H dog obedience project for his fourth year. He and his pet Pointer, Bindi, will be competing in the 4-H Dog Show on July 8. Jannsen has been working hard with Bindi to master new tricks that he and Bindi must perform together now that they will be competing at the advanced level.
“I really like hanging out with my dog and working with her,” Jannsen said. “Sometimes it’s hard when she won’t listen, though.”
A team of 4-H volunteers led by Sue Runge have been teaching dog obedience every Tuesday evening since March. Jannsen’s dad, Tony, has watched his son grow dog handling skills and confidence through his 4-H work.
“It’s always impressive when a 12-year-old boy and a high energy dog can focus at the same time,” he said. “They have really come a long way.”
Jannsen is also learning woodworking with 4-H volunteer Wyatt Phipps. Since this is Jannsen’s first year in this project, he has used hand tools exclusively. The woodworking project members made bat houses together, and they are eager to show them at the Cattlemen’s Days fair. Balancing two 4-H projects, plus school, has also helped Jayce practice his time management skills.
Another popular general project is photography. Emma Commerford, 17, has practiced photography through 4-H for six years. Her family often travels in the summer, so Commerford takes her camera along.
“I especially enjoy learning how many different ways there are to make a photo interesting,” she said.
This year, Commerford is learning about low light photography. The newly updated 4-H low light photography manual includes tips for capturing holiday lights, sunrises, lightning, fireworks and other challenging subjects.
Some 4-H general projects are modern versions of classic 4-H work. Since 1937, Gunnison County youth have been learning about family and consumer science topics. Leora Wilcox, 9, is working on three general projects this year: foods and nutrition, cake decorating and quilting.
With her foods project group, Wilcox has particularly enjoyed trying new quickbread recipes. Volunteer Emily Wolford has instructed
Emma Commerford (Courtesy Gunnison County 4-H)
members as they mix up batter, transfer it into pans, and then take the loaves home to bake. Wolford is also supporting Wilcox this year in cake decorating. Wilcox has been learning to use icing tips, and her favorite is the star tip. Each youth member decorates five practice cakes before presenting their project at the fair.
When she is not working with cakes or quickbreads, Wilcox is learning quilting skills with her grandmother, 4-H volunteer Melody Roper. Early in the spring, the two put together a baby quilt that will be donated to the neonatal ICU at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. Wilcox is currently working on a second quilt to show at the fair. This one is a colorful patchwork made from six different fabrics.
“We layed out squares on a big table. I love how the colors and patterns look,” she said. “It’s also really fun to work with Grandma.”
The 4-H community looks forward to July every year, when youth can showcase what they have learned. General projects displays will be open to the public from July 9-13 in the Fred Field Center at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds. Community members will have a chance to vote for their favorite projects in leathercraft, metalworking, clothing construction, shooting sports, horseless horse (an opportunity for youth who don’t have horses to learn more about them), model rocketry, filmmaking and more.
For more information about opportunities available through 4-H, please contact the Gunnison County Extension Office at 970.641.1260.
(Perri Pelletier is the Gunnison County Colorado State University Extension 4-H youth development specialist.)
Leora Wilcox works on the quilt she plans to show at this year’s fair.
Elly Rhea practices decorating a cake for this year’s fair showcase. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
MAKES GUNNISON DEBUT breakaway roping
By Ted Harbin
For many rodeo fans, the overall experience of family-friendly entertainment makes for a great event. For others, it’s all about the action. The better the contest, the more they like it. Fans are eager to witness high-flying dismounts and body-bruising wrecks. They want 90-point rides and lightning-fast runs.
It doesn’t get any faster than breakaway roping, which will be featured for the first time at this year’s Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo from July 11-13.
“We’ve paid close attention to what’s been going on in rodeo the last few years, and the great group of people on our committee agreed it was time to add breakaway roping to our rodeo,” said Brad Tutor, president of the Cattlemen’s Days Committee. “Breakaway roping has continued to grow in popularity. It’s the fastest-paced of all the timed events, and it’s easy to follow. We’re looking forward to seeing what these ladies bring to Cattlemen’s Days.” Breakaway roping has been around for decades, but it’s gained steam in the traditional world of professional rodeo only recently. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) has been crowning breakaway roping world champions since
1974. The first breakaway title in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was earned in 1969.
From youth rodeo to college to the WPRA, breakaway is one of the few roping events for women. There are some who can tie-down calves, but the bulk of women calf ropers prefer to do it with a string holding their ropes around the saddle horn during the run. When a calf is roped correctly, the string will break when the slack comes out of the rope. After this happens, the timer is stopped.
The best breakaway runs are typically over in less than 3 seconds, and audiences won’t be surprised to see several sub-2-second runs. At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held inside the Houston Texans’ football stadium, the fastest run was accomplished by Arizona cowgirl Macy Young, who stopped the clock in 2.2 seconds. Another Arizona hand, Danielle Lowman, won in both Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas after posting 1.6-second runs.
The opportunities for these cowgirls are increasing. Cattlemen’s Days isn’t the only big event to add breakaway to its schedule. Each offers a chance for ladies to continue making a living doing rodeo in an event other than barrel racing, and it creates fanfriendly competition.
When Jackie Crawford won the first ProRodeo
World Championship in 2020, she finished with just over $47,000. That season featured the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping contest, which has continued every year since. A year later, Sawyer Gilbert pocketed $72,000. Last year, Shelby BoisjoliMeged cleared more than $181,000.
“It’s crazy to think about the money we have now,” said Joey Williams, a breakaway roper from Volborg, Montana. “I didn’t do breakaway a lot after college, because there just weren’t opportunities. It’s so exciting for these younger girls. They’re going to have a goal when they’re 8 years old about going to the finals. That was never the case for us.”
The newfound visibility of this event is creating fans nationwide, including in the Gunnison Valley.
“Cattlemen’s Days is a community event, and we believe breakaway roping will fit right in with this celebration,” Tutor said.
(Ted Harbin is the Cattlemen’s Days media director.)
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged at the 2023 National Finals Breakaway Roping event in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Courtesy James Phifer/WPRA)
generations ONE GUNNISON FAMILY’S 4-H STORY
By Hannah Cranor-Kersting
Teara-Rose Irby and her sister, Jayden, are the fifth generation of Irbys to work their family cattle ranch. The sisters are no strangers to the work. They both grew up as members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. In fact, most of the Irby family grew up participating in 4-H, the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association and the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows some bleak data for farmers and ranchers. The census reported a 7% decrease in farms and ranches between 2017 and 2022, with a loss of more than 20 million acres of farmland. It is increasingly hard for families to pass ranches on to the next generation.
The Irby family continues to battle the odds, and it’s a story of community and camaraderie. Both Teara-Rose and Jayden recognize the importance of the family ranch. Their ancestral roots run deep, anchored by the indomitable spirit of their great-great-grandfather, Bernard Irby. Bernard purchased his ranch in Sargents in 1942. He moved to the Gunnison area in the 1930s and started his cattle career by working for Clyde and Maude Burris near Iola. Later, Bernard worked for Craig Goodwin before purchasing the ranch in Sargents. Originally a dairy operation, Bernard switched to raising registered Hereford cows on his ranch after the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad was shut down. Eventually, the ranch switched to raising Black Angus cattle, which continues today.
The entire Irby family has been extremely active in the ranching and agriculture community, with most of them getting their start in the 4-H program. Bernard started
Jayden Irby with her market pig at Cattlemen’s Days.
(Left to right) Dale Irby, Bob Irby, Alan Sherman and Wendy Irby in the early 1980s. (Courtesy Irby family)
the family tradition by serving as the president for the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association from 1964 to 1966. Later, Bernard’s son, Bob, served as president. Bob passed on a sense of community to his sons, Dale and Stan, who both went on to serve as president. The same Irby men also served as presidents of the Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo Committee, and some went on to serve as parade marshals.
The family tradition of serving did not stop there. Teara-Rose and Jayden’s father, Jackson, has since served on both the Stockgrowers and Cattlemen’s Days committees, as well as the Junior Livestock Committee. Teara-Rose and Jayden have served on the Junior Livestock Committee and the 4-H Council, as well as FFA. Their connection and commitment to the community is incredible.
Teara-Rose is entering into her last year as a 4-H member, and spoke about her time with the organization fondly.
“The end of every 4-H project is always an accomplishment to me,” Teara-Rose said. “No matter what the outcome is — win or lose.”
As many locals know, Dale, Teara-Rose and Jayden’s grandfather, passed away in January of this year. Dale was a major part of the Gunnison County 4-H Fair. He served as a volunteer for many years, and many remember him as a staple of the Junior Livestock Auction. Many a 4-H member can recollect him yelling as the bid taker. They can all confirm the impact that his “yup” yell had on their lives.
Jayden, with her small cattle herd bearing the mark of her grandfather’s brand, carries the torch of tradition. The brand has been passed on for generations, originally being used by Bernard for his Herefords.
“My grandpa was my hero,” Jayden said. “He knew me better than I knew myself. He pushed me to succeed through every project and was always there to answer all my random questions about cows.”
Continuing a family ranch is no easy feat, and it’s not something the family takes lightly. The work starts early and continues till sundown, requiring everyone to pitch in. Jayden’s equipment of choice for haying season is the rake, but everyone has their place on the crew each fall.
“Ranching takes a big commitment,” Jayden said. “It is such a rewarding occupation. I love working with the animals and taking care of the land.”
The ranch allows Teara-Rose and Jayden to nurture their heritage and carry on a dream they have had since childhood.
“We are excited to continue the legacy on to the next generation,” Teara-Rose said. “I am proud of our family and the ranch. I would like to come back and work on the ranch. I love it. 4-H and ranching are some of my best memories.”
(Hannah Cranor-Kersting is a third-generation Gunnison cattle rancher and the Gunnison County Colorado State University Extension county director and agriculture specialist.)
Teara-Rose Irby shows a market goat at Cattlemen’s Days (above). She leads a steer (below).
not just Clowning around
Nationally-recognized rodeo star to perform at Cattlemen’s Days
By Ted Harbin
John Harrison didn’t become a rodeo entertainer for the accolades, but that hasn’t stopped his colleagues from handing them out.
Harrison, the professional clown appearing at this year’s Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo, comes from a rodeo family and has been involved in the sport all his life. He was just 6 years old when he took his first trick riding lessons, but there was always more to his talent.
Harrison could do anything with a rope and was a master on horseback. He even worked in Roman riding, which features one man standing astride two horses while all three work together in unison. He’s been an entertainer longer than many in the game, first as a respected trick rider and now as a comedian and barrelman who is still up to his old tricks.
“We’ve had John here before, and he’s probably the top entertainer in rodeo right now,” said Cattlemen’s Days Committee President Brad Tutor.
“He’s funny. He’s talented,” Tutor said. “He’s really the right mix that we need for our rodeo. If you love to be entertained, he’s going to do it.”
And those accolades? They come in many forms, but most of them arrive through the annual vote of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) members. They select the top dogs at an annual awards banquet each December in conjunction with the National Finals
Rodeo (NFR). For the last two years, Harrison has won the “Triple Crown” for rodeo entertainers: Comedy Act of the Year, Coors Man in the Can and Clown/Barrelman of the Year.
Last year marked the third time Harrison has won for his comedy act, the sixth time for the Coors award and the second time to be named the PRCA’s top clown. As someone who travels the country entertaining crowds, there is pure joy in his heart.
“If they’re having fun, you’re having fun,” Harrison said. “You feed off what they do.”
That sentiment is why Harrison is so good at what he does. He’s been selected to work the NFR nine out of the last 10 years. That’s a tip of the cap from the bull riders who make their livings on the backs of bucking bovines. They don’t care that he’s funny. They want someone that they trust to be in the right spot at the right time.
Maybe it’s timing that comes naturally to Harrison, but he packs it into his nightly performances in a way that makes every show better than the last. He can read situations and act accordingly. His personality shines in front of an audience, and he loves the banter that happens each night.
Harrison has performed at the NFR 12 times. He was part of the opening act, doing tricks and stunts, in 2001-02 and again in 2008. He’s been in the barrel for most of the last decade, taking his riding and horsemanship talents and throwing them into the comedy realm.
Several years ago, Harrison acquired a co-
medic trick-riding act from rodeo legend Keith Isley, who worked at Cattlemen's Days three years ago. The act continues to be a fan-favorite. Harrison has also developed a liberty act that is anything but traditional. In fact, it’s so funny that it’s caught the attention of rodeo folks across the country. It falls in line with the way Harrison presents himself and his personality to those in attendance.
While his acts are the backbone, he also handles the job of being a full-fledged entertainer seriously. He is well known for his “walk and talk,” a fixture that showcases his sense of humor and ability to read a situation at the drop of a hat.
“I try to say I’m not scripted, and I really try to go off the cuff,” Harrison said. “I try to adapt to each announcer and adapt to each crowd.”
That’s why folks in Gunnison have continued to ask for him to return.
“John is highly entertaining, and people remember that,” Tutor said. “He hasn’t been here since 2018, and I still have people talking to me about him. John is good for our rodeo, and he’s great for our community.”
(Ted Harbin is the Cattlemen’s Days media director.)
John Harrison poses with several of the awards he’s won for clowning over the years. (Photo by Clay Guardipee)
By Toni Todd
Cowboy poetry returns to rodeo grounds
True to tradition, the Cattlemen’s Days’ Cowboy Poetry and Song event will feature veteran and aspiring wordsmiths, along with local singer-songwriters, on July 8 at 7 p.m. This year, the show is returning to its original home at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds courtesy tent.
The tradition of cowboy poetry harkens back to ranch life and cattle drives, when wranglers and cowboys told stories and sang songs around the campfire after a long day’s work.
“Cowboy music and poetry honor our cowboy and ranching heritage,” said Evelyn Roper, local songwriter and one of the event’s organizers. Roper became the first female musician to perform at the event several years ago.
“It used to be all men … until Mark Todd asked me to come in as a musician and poet," Roper said.
The idea of a woman in the group’s midst was met with resistance at first, but she was welcomed into the poetry fold. The important thing to understand is that working ranch folk, whatever their official role and whatever their gender, are all cowboys, she said.
Mark Todd, a retired English professor at Western Colorado University and locallyrenowned poet, got involved and later became an organizer of the event in the mid-90s. At that time, the show was sponsored by Friends of the Library and run by one of its board members, Mary Ann Tarr.
“I’d just begun my career as a poet on stage and was looking for venues to test my poems on
live audiences. I was amazed at the size of the local audience this event drew,” Todd said. “I was used to crowds that numbered a half-dozen to maybe 20. The attendance at Cattlemen’s Days was over 100, so I decided to throw my name in the ring.”
The following year, Tarr moved away from Gunnison and Todd offered to take over. He ran the event for the next 10 years, showcasing venerable poets such as John Nelson, “Shorty” George Steenbergen and Mac McGraw. Each year, Todd wrote a new poem for the occasion. It wasn’t long before he, too, became known locally as a cowboy poet.
Ten years into his tenure, Todd — who is also the founder of Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing — realized his plate was overflowing and stepped away as organizer. Enter Joe Dixon. Dixon had been a popular regular at the readings with a real passion for cowboy poetry. He had also served as a Cattlemen’s board member — the perfect fit. He’s now been running the show for nearly 20 years.
Today, he’s supported by musical compa triots Roper and Chris Coady, another beloved local songwriter. The addition of music and songwriting to a cow boy poetry event makes sense because, as Dixon said, “You can’t have a song without a poem.”
What defines cowboy poetry? It typically rhymes, but it’s much more than that. Former Poet Laureate of the Western Slope, Art Goodtimes, once
described Nelson as “a fine storyteller in lyric form.” That is the essence of cowboy poetry: telling stories of cowboy life and the American West.
“It’s a cadence, a tempo,” Roper said.
Cowboy poetry isn’t just read, it’s performed in the sense that the telling of any great story is performed. And there are always songs. Often, new lyrics are set to old Scottish and Irish melodies. Roper’s mission is to make sure all who attend and participate in the Cattlemen’s Days Poetry and Song event feel welcome.
“It doesn’t matter who you are,” Roper said. “Just come in out of the heat, soak in some atmosphere and for that moment, you are a cowboy.”
(Toni Todd is a freelance writer and ukulelestrummin' punster who loves nothing more than chatting with the creatives among us, for they are the most interesting and colorful of all.)
Poets perform at past Cowboy Poetry events. (Top to bottom)
Joe Dixon, Chris Coady, Evelyn Roper and Calvin Curry. (Photos by David Stremme and Jacob Spetzler)
‘WE CAME, WE SAW
We had a good time’
By Larry McDonald
It was 100 years ago when the July 18, 1924 edition of the Gunnison News-Champion published the results of the first two days of competition during the 23rd annual Cattlemen’s Days celebration. The article reported that the weather was “bright and beautiful.” The Western State College (WSC) band greeted attendees as they began filling the grandstands for the first events of the afternoon.
It was local gal Veverelle Outcalt on her horse, Queen, that took home top prize in the saddle horse exhibition, followed by Mary Scott Howard and Shorty finishing first in the 1/4-mile ladies’ “free for all” race. Next on the schedule was the amusing cow milking contest.
Several Gunnison boys “had a wild and wooly time getting the bossies to stand,” but Doc Judy and his horseman, Earl Carpenter, ended up taking top honors.
in the first event of the day, the exhibition of draft horses. Ileta McDonald won the ladies’ “free for all” relay race in a time of 3 minutes on a “string” of horses owned by a local rancher named Burns.
The annual Wild Horse Race was even wilder than usual that year. All the steeds broke loose and had to be chased down before Homer
provided entertainment between bouts, dancing and performing acrobatics to the delight of the audience. The final scheduled six-round boxing match between Paul Wright of Gunnison and Van Wetzel of Alamosa, Colorado came to a “speedy termination” after 45 seconds, when a left to Wright’s jaw from Wetzel “sent him to the Land of Nod.”
A humorous chariot race between Jud Scobey and Bill Swiggart brought down the house, with both of them going neck and neck in their “gaily decorated” wagons before finishing in a draw.
Harry Trine on Pollyanna took home the honors in the 3/8-mile cow horse race, and it was B. F. Anderson on his horse, Pansurita, who won the Gunnison County race. Mike Cuneco exhibited fine roping and riding skills by finally getting his steed under control to win the always exciting Wild Horse Race, despite his animal “taking an aversion to going under the tape.”
Between events, the WSC band provided more musical entertainment while the rodeo clown with his red striped donkey, shotgun and pistol kept everyone laughing.
The second day of the celebration began with the crowd spending the morning “and most of their money visiting the fakirs and food stands lining the streets prior to the races later that day.” Local rancher Fred Besse took the honors
Roark was able to mount his and finish first.
The crowd then enjoyed the potato race, with a large group of fun-loving boys trying to gather the most potatoes. Bill Dunn, Gene Estey, Sheep Brown and Frank Sanford all secured six taters each and divided the purse. One of them insisted he would have won outright, had there not been rocks among the potatoes in his box. Next up was the musical chair race, but on horses, with one less horse than people. With only two boys and one horse left, the “grandstand crowd went wild.” Oscar Dunn beat out Fred Foster to win the event.
Along with more racing, the third and final day of activities featured boxing and wrestling exhibitions, with a reported 500 people packing into the college auditorium. There, they saw Johnny Steele, a popular boxer from Baldwin, Colorado, take on Leslie Trine of Gunnison in a “fast and furious” lightweight bout that ended in a draw. Seven-year-old “Baby Robinson”
The 1924 Cattlemen’s Days celebration also saw the Gunnison stockmen hosting the Colorado Stockgrowers Association’s annual summer meeting. The organization took the Gunnisonites at their word when they said, “come again next year,” and plans for 1925 were already beginning in earnest.
The Denver RecordStockman newspaper stated of Gunnison, “It is a simon-pure cattle country, located at a cool and accessible part of the Western Slope. The roads are good, the scenery is impressive, and Gunnison is manned by the all-firedest lot of hospitable folks you’ll find out-of-doors.” It went on to report that the “deluxe entertainment” was the fish fry and athletic entertainment at the college. The newspaper praised Rudolph Mergleman, president of Gunnison Stockgrowers, who “contributed quite materially to the state convention and Cattlemen’s Days celebration.”
The Gunnison News-Champion wrapped up its coverage of the 1924 celebration with the following statement:
“We nearly wore out a perfectly good arm shaking hands with friends we had not seen for many a moon; we enjoyed the crowd, the stunts, the cowboys, the babies, the pop, the ice cream cones, the popcorn, the peanuts and the whole works. We’re sorry it’s all over, but we had a good time while it lasted.”
(Larry McDonald is a local historian who loves to share intriguing Gunnison Country history.)
A postcard of a bucking bronco with a good crowd in the expanded grandstands at Cattlemen’s Days in the 1920s. (Courtesy Gunnison Pioneer Museum)
An early Cattlemen’s Days Wild Horse Race with Taylor Hall in the background, before the current rodeo grounds were established. A complimentary pass for the 23rd annual Cattlemen’s celebration in 1924.
CAPTURED
Jacob Spetzler
The sun sets on cowboys watching Cattlemen’s Days 2023.
By Maggie Reid
saddles sermons AND Cowboy Church fosters rodeo faith community
Many cowboys will tell you that having a strong sense of faith is one of the most important parts of the rodeo lifestyle. Before climbing onto a bull or bronc’s back, some will recite a prayer, while others wear crosses around their necks. Some may keep their favorite bible verses in their pocket.
Cowboys find ways to worship at every rodeo they attend, and Cattlemen’s Days is no different. After three long days of competition, cowboys wrap up the rodeo by gathering together at the fairgrounds for Cowboy Church, a time of worship and community.
Cowboy Church, which has been a Cattlemen’s Days tradition for over 40 years, has helped shape the rodeo community by allowing cowboys to momentarily forget about competition and gather to celebrate God and their time together. The service takes place on the last Sunday of Cattlemen’s Days, is non-denominational and open to anyone that wants to participate. It is an hour-long service of testimony, prayer and song for cowboys and community members alike.
“I noticed that all of the rodeos I went to had a couple of church [services]… and we didn’t,” said Cowboy Church coordinator Rick Barton. “So I started doing it and found that people really enjoy it. People even schedule it as part of their vacation.”
The lives of many cowboys have been changed through Cowboy Church, Barton said. Cowboys are encouraged to share their testimonies and experiences with their faith in hopes of helping others become stronger in their faith. The goal is
not to force their beliefs or try to convert anyone, but rather help those who might be struggling with their faith.
Barton also said that many cowboys are willing to share their testimonies because they know too many never got a chance to share theirs. They go through life with the knowledge that their experiences have the possibility to change someone’s life at any given moment, because they never know what someone else is going through. This helps cowboys create lifelong friendships and a strong community at every rodeo they attend.
“Hearing how God has changed the lives of cowboys and ranchers is very important in our valley,” Barton said. “I think it encourages people to know that you’re not the only one out there.”
Cowboy Church is a team effort and is run entirely by volunteers. Barton organizes the services and has a devoted crew — one that grows every year — working alongside him. The group doesn’t take tithes or offerings, but does have a donation plate available for those who wish to contribute funds to help keep the event going.
This year’s Cowboy Church service will take place on July 14 at 9 a.m. at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds grandstand.
(Maggie Reid can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or intern@gunnisontimes.com.)
Jim Higgins and Rick Barton provide music for Cowboy Church. (Courtesy Stephen Barton)
CARE YOU CAN COUNT ON.
LIKE CATTLEMEN’S DAYS, GUNNISON VALLEY HEALTH HAS A LONG HISTORY IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Gunnison Urgent Care
For treatment of your minor injury or illness that can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment.
Mountain Clinic
The only state licensed emergency center and certified urgent care provider on the mountain. Conveniently located at the base of the Silver Queen lift.
Hospital
Our hospital includes a fully-staffed eight bed emergency department which provides emergency care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
N. Iowa Street Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 648-7105
(970) 349-0321
N. Taylor St. Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 641-1456
