Jerome rodeo to feature NFR bulls, broncs
By Cathy Roemer, Ag Weekly correspondent
Friday, November 17, 2006 4:51 PM CST
JEROME, Idaho n Whether you are off to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nov. 30 through Dec. 9, or just catching the action on television be sure to mark your favorite Bar T Rodeo broncs or Cory & Hurst Rodeo Co. bulls n chances are they’ll be kicking up their heels this summer at Jerome’s Northside Showdown Rodeo
Jerome County Fair Manager Kathleen Diederich announced earlier this week the fair board’s decision to contract with two new rodeo stock companies to inject “some new life” into Jerome County’s rodeo.
Corey & Horst Rodeo Co. of Moses Lake, Wash., the primary contractor, will supply top-notch bucking bulls with solid reputations at Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and Professional Bull Riding finals.
Bar T Rodeo, Moab, Utah, has sub-contracted for the bucking horse stock. With 50 plus years in the rodeo business, Diederich said Bar T horses are “highly sought after.”
“Cowboys want to draw a Bar T horse because they know it will take them to the pay window,” she said.
Diederich said the fair board “stepped up and took a chance on change” but the only chance may be banking on increased admission fees to cover costs.
However, Jim Pierce, fair board president, said entries are likely to increase with notable rodeo stock and more people will come out to the rodeo.
Pierce also said new sponsors have been added and the “community has given us a lot of support.”
Bryant Nelson, fair board vice president and chairman of the rodeo committee, said Jerome has been a PRCA Rodeo for seven years and has “great potential to grow.”
Nelson said when cowboys come to Jerome, they will be able to count on top-end animals for high points and a better chance to qualify in the Wilderness Circuit Rodeo finals in Ogden, Utah.
“We are changing our rodeo from a draw contest to a riding contest,” he said.
One thing won’t change at the Northside Showdown and that’s the hospitality tent, a gathering spot offering complimentary meals and beverages for cowboys, sponsors and their families.
It’s one more step to what Diederich said is a goal for the rodeo n “to attract top cowboys and help make it the most exciting rodeo in the Magic Valley.”
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