Just as the “King of County” George Strait said, my travels took me from San Antonio to Amarillo, Texas for the TriState Fair and Rodeo last Tuesday. The TriState Fair and Rodeo is one of the last Pro Rodeos of the 2012 season. It is very important for contestants who are trying to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to do well at the last few rodeos to secure a trip to the finals. With this being said it is no wonder that this rodeo draws record number of contestant entries and spectators, with the top athletes trying to make the coveted top 15 spots in the PRCA.
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Upon landing in Amarillo, I was greeted by Brenda Michaels, who escorted me to the rodeo office to meet the staff and take a tour of the facilities. After touring the rodeo grounds Brenda and I headed off to lunch at Taco Garcia’s for some delicious Mexican food. I had a great time having lunch with Brenda, hearing her life stories, and about her family’s involvement with rodeo. Following lunch we went out to the Cadillac Ranch. It was so neat to see the Cadillac cars buried in the ground after reading and seeing pictures of them in numerous Texas history books. Then we were off to pick up the truck that MDR Motors was kind enough to allow me to drive for the time I was in Amarillo. I was thrilled to see that it was a big F250 King Ranch, and was so excited to be able to drive it for the week.
Wednesday was the first day of the PRCA rodeo, which started off with the timed event slack. When I arrived I met with Johnny Johnson who provided me with one of his horses named Shaq for the week. Johnny warned me, half-jokingly, to be careful the horse didn’t jump out from under me, as Shaq was a turn back horse and would really work a cow. I love a horse that will get down and work a cow, and was so excited to hear that this horse would. As soon as I entered the arena, Shaq immediately locked his eyes on the steer. I knew at that moment that this little sorrel gelding was going to be a blast to ride.
Thursday morning, I was up bright and early to head to the Channel 10 News Station to promote the rodeo. I was joined by Kennady Johnson, the 2012 Miss Rodeo Texas Junior High Rodeo Association. The News Station Morning Show was very welcoming and we had a great time on camera! It was interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes to create the news shows that we see on television. After the news station we headed to the arena for the Steer Roping slack. During the steer roping I helped by pushing steers out of the arena, while joking around and laughing with the rodeo committee. Then I grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading off to Cavenders Western Wear for autograph signings and radio interviews. At Cavenders I was joined by PRCA Rodeo Announcer Mike Mathis, Specialty Act Troy Lerwill “The Wild Child,” Will Lowe, Trevor Brazile, and Kennady Johnson Miss Rodeo TJHRA. Before we knew it, it was time to head to the rodeo grounds for the first performance of the TriState Rodeo. The rodeo opened every night with a special tribute to our troops. During the opening I had the privilege of carrying the American Flag for the National Anthem. Being able to thank our military in the arena, while posting the colors was extra special to me. During the rodeo I pushed cattle out of the arena, and helped with the Mutton Bustin’.
Friday morning I headed down to KGNC to do radio interviews and promote the rodeo. I have never been inside a radio station studio before and was amazed at how technology plays a big role in producing their shows. I was joined by Kennady Johnson, Miss Rodeo TJHRA. We had a great time going into the different studios and doing interviews live on the air. Friday night was the second performance of the TriState Fair and Rodeo. I had a great time during the rodeo, and was able to visit with many rodeo enthusiasts.
Saturday I took a tour of the American Quarter Horse Museum. It was really neat to see all the exhibits and memorabilia from the famous cowboy and cowgirls, and legendary horses. I have always been very interested in history and enjoyed touring AQHA. While at AQHA there was a bus of people visiting from Chicago taking a tour of Texas. They were so excited to see me while they were at the museum. I loved being able to see the excitement on their faces and being able to tell them about the great state of Texas.
Afterwards I went up to the fair grounds to sign autographs and meet with rodeo fans. Before I knew it, it was time to head up to the arena for the final performance of the rodeo. The saying “time flies when you are having fun” couldn’t be more true. As the rodeo came to an end, championship buckles were passed out and for some lucky cowboys and cowgirls a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas was secured.
I had a great time in Amarillo at the TriState Fair and Rodeo. I would like to extend a special thank you to the TriState Fair and Rodeo for having me. Also, I would like to thank Angela Ragland, Alex Bell, Johnny Johnson, Brenda Michaels, Randy, and Kennady Johnson for making my trip so memorable.