The Ellensburg Rodeo 2010

As always for over 40 years I have attended the World Famous Ellensburg Rodeo. I know you find that hard to believe because I really only look about 29, but it is true for over 40 years now. On top of that for over 20 years I have had the pleasure of being associated with the rodeo and Central Washington University as one of the on air television commentators for the parade on Saturday morning. This year I thought I would watch it but Kurt Newman called and I didn't hesitate to say yes. I love announcing the parade and seeing all my friends that participate in it as they go by. This year I had the pleasure to work with Jamie Virden, who is the 'lady in waiting' and will assume the duties of Miss Rodeo Oklahoma in January. I also love having Piper come sit on my lap for the ending and being a small part of it.





I would love to post all the pictures but let me show you the highlights, and then I expect you will want to come next year too. Piper loves the rides, she went with Cole Sullivan and had a blast. Here they are getting on the roller coaster for the third time. Then after the rides we went over to check on Lynn Sullivan's jewelry (www.cowgirldivaz.com) at the Old Mill Store in the Western Village and Piper and Cole found a new ride...









Saturday is a fun day at the rodeo, you get to start with a pancake breakfast in the Albertson's parking lot (or at my folks, depending on what your motivation level to get to a table with breakfast on it). Then there is the parade, the rodeo and finally Extreme Bulls. This is the second year Extreme Bulls has been the Championships and taped to air on ESPN later in the month. Here is what I like about Saturday of rodeo weekend, I like watching the rodeo from my family's box with K.sue and the girlies. Then I loved that we had some time to rest and watch the Washington Huskies play football in luxury accommodations at my parents house.


Here is my friend, Gary Rempel, he is one of the best pick up men in the business and has been for a while. Gary is married my friend, Jody and they met right here at the Ellensburg Rodeo. She and I became friends in 1987 when I was Ellensburg Rodeo Queen and she was Miss Rodeo Washington. They are great people and I only wish we could see them more often. I love that we can stop by and say hi before Gary goes to work in the arena and Piper can sit up on one of his horses. Soon enough I hope she is riding and maybe I will to too. I miss it.





Like I have stated before I could go on and on about this rodeo, but I think I will end with two pictures from the Gold Buckle Party. This party used to be called Stuart Anderson's party, it was private, by his invitation only and always on the Sunday night of Labor Day Weekend. Although the party barn and ranch are now referred to as Springwood, it is still Stuart Anderson's place, at least to all the old timers. We have these rodeo friends that we only get to see over Labor Day Weekend, this year they are very happily married newlyweds. What drew us together you ask? Well here is how our conversations always start, them, "The Buswells!!" us, "The Bagwells!!" laughter and then more laughter. Total bonding moment, every time.

Did I tell you Crown Royal is a BIG sponsor of the rodeo? Gotta love a rodeo, gotta come to Ellensburg and see this one, they don't call it the Greatest Show on Dirt for nothing you know.