First and foremost, I feel the need to apologize for not getting this blog posted sooner, but unfortunately that’s what happens during these hectic rodeo months! Bare with me as I combine two action packed rodeo weekends into one blog!
From one end of my “home turf” to the other with Checotah’s rodeo two weekends back and Okmulgee’s rodeo the following, I enjoyed the familiar faces and places of my recent travels. With the Duvall’s home located in the small town of Hitchita, Oklahoma, we are approximately 15 minutes west of Checotah and 15 east of Okmulgee but in the center of some great rodeo action! The annual Muscogee Creek Nation Festival Rodeo is a recent addition to the International Professional Rodeo Association and I was thrilled to help in the promotion as well as the two performances. Wendell Ratchford of Wild Horse Rodeo Productions put on a fantastic show for the spectators enjoying our traditional sport.
Friday nights performance got underway just as the heat of the day began to slowly decrease and the crowds built up. Proudly carrying the IPRA flag in grand entry around the beautiful girls of the Rodeo Sweetheart’s drill team was a great way to kick off the show. I was thrilled to be asked to drive out steers and calves during the performance, therefore I remained horseback most of the evening and loving the extra involvement in the rodeo! A BIG thanks for Calvin Ivey of Wild Horse Rodeo Productions for the use of his amazing horses throughout the past two weekends. It makes for a laid-back smooth-going rodeo when you have a capable and easy-tempered horse under you! The rodeo came to a close with the sounds of R&B singer, Brandi singing at the local fair and carnival. Saturday evening was slightly warmer but the attendance was fantastic as Monty Stueve, our rodeo announcer’s voice filled the air to signal the start of the show. As always, I was truly impressed by the incredible talent that lies within the stock provided by Wendell as well as the IPRA competitors. It was a tough pen of athletes that made for a world class performance! The show wrapped up and we all enjoyed the sounds of Joe Diffie on one of the most beautiful Oklahoma nights I’ve seen yet. Thank you to the Okmulgee Rodeo committee for allowing me the privilege to participate in your event and making wonderful memories to boot!
Less the 24 hours later, I was on the road to Pauls Valley, Oklahoma for the annual Pauls Valley Round-Up Club IPRA Rodeo. With my beautiful red Ford from Seth Wadley Ford loaded to the max we made our way south to begin a week long stay in Garvin County. Immediately, I was greeted by Jerry and Lily Norton who handle much of the rodeo responsibilities as well as the queen contest. We hit the ground running full speed on Monday morning with radio interviews and sponsor visits that lasted much of the first three days. I enjoyed driving around with Jerry and the queen contestants as we made our way through an incredible list of rodeo contributors. We may have burned through quite a bit of diesel but we were laughing with every mile traveled! Thursday brought the first of three days I would be spending with the crew from KIX 106, the local radio station, for remotes and various appearances. Sherry, Lisa, Teddy, Martha, Ken and I had a blast ‘cutting up’ with one another, teaching me Oklahoma slang, doing our best not to laugh while on the air, and meeting the crowds of people who followed us to our locations.
As always, rodeo time arrives before I know it and Thursday night brought the first performance as well as the crowning of the Pauls Valley Rodeo Queen! All dolled up and ready to go, we kicked off the show with a beautiful opening ceremony. Shortly after setting down my flag, I was dismounting Calvin’s horse and saddling up in my Seth Wadley Ford pickup to drive in the awards for the queen candidates. Congratulations to Challen Bailey on becoming the 2009 Queen! I’m so proud of you and I know you will represent them well! The rest of the evening was filled with autographs, concession stand runs, and frequent trips to the Kayak stand for their promotional fans they pass out during the hot rodeos! Those girls are a lifesaver when I’m melting in the heat! Soon the line of cars inching down the drive signaled the rodeo had ended and it was time to turn in for an early start tomorrow.
Friday brought many more radio remotes around Pauls Valley and beyond with the KIXO gang that led up to the second performance of the rodeo. With just enough time to run home and throw on my most breathable arena outfit, considering the 104 degree weather, I went flying down the road to the rodeo grounds. With grand entry and the national anthem behind us, it was time to walk the stands and meet new fans! It was an incredible experience to visit with nearly 250 people from across the US who were in town for a conference with the Academy for the Deaf. From Connecticut to California, New Jersey to Pennsylvania, the students taught me new signs while I shared my rodeo knowledge to these first time spectators. With a couple hundred autographs signed and dozens of photos taken in one evening, our night came to a close and I enjoyed as much of the 5 hour night sleep I was provided before Saturday arrived!
The final day in Pauls Valley brought the final remotes scheduled by KIXO, the downtown parade, and our final rodeo performance. Thank you again to the crew of KIX 106 for the entertainment and support you provided throughout our time together. After lunch with the radio gang, it was a quick change and off we go through the streets of Pauls Valley to invite the smiling faces of the parade-goers out to the rodeo! No time was wasted from dismounting Calvin’s horse, Blue to another record breaking clothing change and back in the arena for our final and best yet, performance. Thank you to Lisa Lance for not only her hospitality as my host family but for taking amazing pictures that are posted in the June Cont. album. It was a gorgeous night filled with excited fans and great rodeo action. As it all came to a close, I said my goodbyes to new friends that I hope I will see again down the road. I met some amazing people from the community of Pauls Valley that I won’t soon forget. Thank you to everyone involved with the Pauls Valley Rodeo, especially Jerry and Lily Norton for your kindness and welcoming attitudes. My memories of my visit will last me a lifetime!
I may be back at the Duvall’s for a short while but Thursday puts be back on the wide open road as I head east to Caraway, Arkansas for the 4th of July! I can’t wait to see what awaits me on my next adventure! Stay tuned and God bless!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU TONS! :)
Jamie,
Your pictures are gorgeous...those shirts Susan made are beautiful! I'm so glad my glasses made it into the picture, I'm sure your next surprise will be an even bigger hit! :) Love you sister!
Posted by: Jessica | June 30, 2009 at 02:29 PM