Rachel Burton and I pose with western music legend Micheal Martin Murphy at the John Wayne Centennial Celebration in Winterset!
Hello, hello!
My travels have begun! On Saturday, May 19 I traveled to the rodeo town of Leon, Iowa for a Wrangler Division (6-8th graders) Rodeo. I had a great time watching the young, talented rodeo athletes. It was a beautiful afternoon for a rodeo and the little bay and I were glad to be a part of it. I felt somewhat old and out of place watching the young ropers, chute-doggers, and goat tyers, however, I was so impressed with their professionalism and sportsmanship. I couldn't help but feel like I was connected to them because they were all little ladies and gentlemen; I hope I was like that when I was that age!
My next adventure was the John Wayne Centennial Celebration in Winterset, Iowa along with Miss Rodeo Iowa Teen, Rachel Burton. Rachel's horse once again towered above my little bay, but we both enjoyed ourselves in the parade. We appeared to be a bit "from the future" compared to the rest of the parade participants from the John Wayne era, but it was very fun to see all of the stagecoaches, trick ropers, and singers. Rachel and I got to meet Michael Martin Murphy, along with John Wayne movie stuntmen, and even got some lessons on how to crack a bullwhip on horseback.
The Palo Alto Cattlemen grilled some very excellent burgers and steak sandwiches at the Wild Rose!On Memorial Day Monday I was in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the Wild Rose Casino's bullriding and barrel racing event to celebrate their one year anniversary. (Barnes PRCA Rodeo from Cherokee and Peterson, Iowaa supplied the bull stock for the event.) During the day I toured the casino and greeted people on their way in to let them know about the evening event. The Palo Alto Cattlemen grilled burgers and steak sandwiches for the event, and I was lucky enough to see a few familiar faces from West Bend, Iowa. I had a great time visiting with them during the event, as well as signing autographs for young bull riding and barrel racing fans.
This week I will be in Cherokee, Iowa for the PRCA Rodeo May 31-June 2. We have many fun events planned for the week, and I am excited for the first Iowa professional rodeo for the summer season. Barnes PRCA Rodeo will supply the outstanding stock for the event. Each year the Barnes' send bucking horses and bulls to the NFR, which is another great thing about Iowa that makes me proud to be a representative! I will be sure to get pictures up on this site once I return home from Cherokee!
