Rooftop Rodeo | Awards

 

Left to right: Hank Franzen (Powder River Rodeo Company), Lori Franzen (Powder River Rodeo Company, Terri Wright (Estes Park Special Events), Art Mutchler (2007 Committee President), Ruth Mutchler (Committee), Chad Nicholson (Announcer)

Estes Park’s Rooftop Rodeo was named the 2006 Small Rodeo of the Year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). This prestigious award was presented to Special Events Department Manager Teri Wright and Rodeo Committee President Art Mutschler during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last November.

This is the second time the rodeo has been selected for the PRCA’s top award, having also received it in 2003. In addition, the Rooftop Rodeo was selected as a finalist in 2000, 2004 and 2005.

In a category that includes more than 600 rodeos nationwide, Estes Park was one of five nominees for this year’s honor. The other finalists were Bandera, TX; Bay City, TX; Bellvue, IA; and Clear Lake, SD. Votes for the award are cast by all PRCA cardholders, including the cowboy contestants, judges, announcers, specialty acts, timers, secretaries, stock contractors and all of the rodeo committees across the nation.

The rodeo’s ongoing success can be credited to the efforts of the all-volunteer Rooftop Rodeo Committee, which works tirelessly on planning the event throughout the year. Held each July, the rodeo consists of a parade and six evening performances of PRCA-sanctioned events, including saddle bronc and bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Adding to the excitement is a nightly Mutton Bustin’ competition for youngsters, a rodeo clown and pre-rodeo entertainment.

The Rooftop Rodeo celebrated its 80^th anniversary in 2006. Originally established as a Frontier Day celebration, the festivities were suspended briefly during the Depression. In 1941 the rodeo was reborn as the "Rooftop Roundup" and in 1984 the name "Rooftop Rodeo" was chosen to reflect the elevation of Estes Park. Today the rodeo continues to share the legacy of the West with thousands of people each and every year.

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