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THE MESA TRIBUNE | NOVEMBER 14, 2021
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Gilbert celebrates past, future next weekend BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor
A
fter skipping a year because of the pandemic, Gilbert Days is back. The Town of Gilbert’s celebration of its western heritage – a time when horse ranches, dairy farms, agriculture and the rodeo lifestyle were mainstays – has different venues this year. The Gilbert Days Rodeo, organized by Gilbert Promotional Corporation, will be held Thursdayday through Sunday, Nov. 18-21, at Queen Creek’s Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. The Gilbert Days Parade, organized by the Town, will be held Saturday morning, Nov. 20, down Gilbert Road from Juniper to Elliot Road. The Gilbert Half Marathon and 10K events will follow the parade at Higley High School. And a family-friendly music festival takes place from Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20, at Gilbert Regional Park. Paige Nelson, vice president of GPC, said the main reason for moving the rodeo venue from Welcome Home Ranch in southeast Gilbert to Horseshoe Park is more room. “We were having to turn people away and having to refund the tickets because we just didn’t have any more room to seat any more people,” she said. “That’s so sad that we can’t let in all the people who want to come.” Each year, GPC runs a rodeo as part of the Grand Canyon Professional Rodeo Association, showcasing the competitions of professional cowboys and cowgirls in Arizona and other western states. Bull riding, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding are among the activities. The Lil Dudes Rodeo features kids mutton bustin’ and barrel racing, among other events. After the hiatus, organizers hope to fill the stands. At Horseshoe Park, the rodeo can seat 3,000 people per day, which is quadruple the number GPC could accommodate earlier. Organizers are also able to host triple the number of food and retail vendors and parking won’t be a challenge
“We challenge the community to anticipate change, create solutions, and help people and our businesses. We all play a role in the design of tomorrow. “In Gilbert, we are shaping a new tomorrow, today,” Kirschbaum added. The parade will feature 85 entries from local schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and special interest groups. One of those will be the GARBage Family Show – where kids recycle using drivable toy garbage and recycle trucks. Also participating in the parade are Miss Rodeo Arizona 2022 and Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona 2021/2022 while Watson Flower Shops will return with its crowd-pleasing float made entirely of flowers. Cowgirls Historical Foundation and the Gilbert Days Rodeo Court will also participate. This year’s court comprises Queen Jessica Wolfe, Teen Queen Amber Mesa resident Jessica Wolfe is the Gilbert ays Michne and Princess Mckenzie Craven. Rodeo Queen this year. (Tiffany Moonbeam The Rodeo Court was extended from Photography) last year because the young women like in past years. couldn’t fulfil their roles as rodeo ambasAfter the rodeo on Saturday, there will sadors for Arizona and beyond due to the be a dance featuring local country music pandemic’s restrictions. artist Harry Luge. Usually, for many months earlier, memAs for holding Gilbert Days in Queen bers connect with young people to talk Creek, “it’s initially going to be confus- about Gilbert and its farming traditions, ing to people,” Nelson admits. “I think, the history of rodeo and the values of cowonce they see what this venue has to offer, boys and cowgirls – such as respect and they’re going to understand.” being kind to each other. Meanwhile, the parade will step off at “We stayed as involved in the commu8:30 a.m. from Juniper Avenue/Gilbert nity as we could while practicing social Road, travel south and end just beyond distancing. It has been thrilling to watch Elliot Road. While some neighboring rodeo return,” Wolfe said. roads will be closed, parking will be Wolfe, a medical scribe in Mesa – who available throughout the Heritage Dis- is studying for a master’s degree followtrict’s parking garages. ing the attainment of four college degrees The parade theme is City of the Future. – has ridden horses and attended rodeos “With 100 years of history and growth, from a young age. our focus is on keeping the thriving com“I can remember being mesmerized munity that Gilbert is today well into the by the rodeo queens at those events, and future, while continuing to be one of the know I have the privilege to be one,” she top communities in the country,” said Eva said. “My favorite aspects of this role inKirschbaum, a spokeswoman from Gil- clude meeting the fans, making the kids bert Parks and Recreation Department. smile, and participating in the grand en-
tries filled with overwhelming patriotism.” She contends that this will be her last rodeo queen title. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and memories it has provided to me,” she said. During the rodeo, the community is also honoring Mesa horsewoman Julee Brady, who groomed many past members of the rodeo court, including her daughters Shanda, Marjon, Kelsee, Kellan and Taryn. Brady passed away last year, and Cowgirls Historical Foundation, which she founded, is leading a tribute to her during Friday evening’s performance. “Julee was truly a light unto others in all arenas of her life,” said Kiva James Lindaman, the current foundation president. “Our tribute drill is in memory of her legacy of kindness and encourages everyone to be a light in the world.” Daughter Marjon Brown said her late mother “was constantly teaching us life lessons in the most wonderful and uplifting of ways. One of her recurring messages was to spread kindness to those in our sphere of influence. She consistently strived to do that.” Brown, who is married and has children of her own, said Brady was “remarkable and such a pillar of strength” in her life. “The best way I can pay tribute to her is to teach my children the values she emulated. And to do it cheerfully and with a heart full of faith,” she added. Julee Brady loved horses, rodeo and the unique opportunities and friendships the lifestyle provided. Preserving the nation’s rich western heritage was important to her as well. “I will always envision her quietly working behind the scenes making rodeos happen so future generations can enjoy them,” Brown said. “She would say that the past is a present for the future. Indeed, it is. She was living proof of that.” The Brady daughters won’t reveal the details of the tribute in advance. It will incorporate Brady’s husband, Pat. “It’s really touching,” Nelson said. ■
