On the Sidelines - Vintage rodeo

After watching scores of rodeos in my lifetime, I have come to admire many contestants who have combined their talent and skill to perform their specialties in the arena.

From the bull rider who manages to hold in a tornadic spin for the minimum time or for a racer who glides around each barrel with the ease of an ice skater, these performers have spent years, if not a lifetime, refining their sport. For some, though, that sport has progressed to their profession.

Many young contestants coming up through the various levels of rodeos have been able to demonstrate their skills. The 10-year-old calf roper in a junior rodeo may someday be an all-around performer later in life.

And for hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls, life in the arena doesn't stop when they reach their mid-life or golden years.

Both Fernley and Fallon will host a weekend of the National Senior Pro Rodeo. This weekend is Fernley's turn, followed by Fallon's sixth annual Senior Pro Rodeo on Sept. 21-22.

The Senior Pro Rodeo attracts many of the sport's well-known contestants who compete in many of the traditional rodeo events. Contestants belong to the 1,400-member national association that sanctions 70 annual rodeos in the United States and Canada.

After months of traversing the country, approximately 200 to 250 cowboys and cowgirls will be spending the next two weeks in Western Nevada, trying to earn more points for nationals.

The Fernley rodeo will take place at the Out-of-Town Park beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. After Saturday's rodeo, a dance will be held at the park beginning at 7 p.m.

This year's Fernley rodeo also has activities for children including a boot scramble and pony stick races. Of course, rodeo isn't complete without food and craft vendors.

Carol Wilson, a Fernley rodeo committee member, said a talent contest for individuals ages 10 to 20 is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

"We also have our junior queen, a queen and princess who will be crowned later at 4 p.m.,"Wilson said.

Although the actual competition doesn't begin until Saturday, Fernley resident and world champion R.C. Herrera will be signing autographs at tonight's Calcutta at the Pioneer Crossing Casino. Herrera also competes in the Fallon rodeo.

Once Sunday's final event clears the arena, many contestants have used the week between the Fernley and Fallon rodeos to vacation and experience the late-summer amenities our area offers.

The Fallon Senior Pro Rodeo has added jackpot roping to its schedule this year, and that takes place one week from today at the fairgrounds.

During the years the Senior Pro Rodeo has made stops in our area, I have met many different performers from all walks of life, who, in their own right, have a story to tell of their careers.

No doubt, there will be many great yarns to spin for the next two weekends.

Steve Ranson can be reached at sranson@lahontanvalleynews.com