Queens have held the reigns for 69years ................ 10
3vie for Brush Rodeo crown 11
Watrous Pioneer to be named July 3 12
Rodeo Family of the Year celebrates rodeo tradition 13
CACE Western Art Show showcases diverse artistic talents 14
Brush Rodeo Association awards scholarship to Kate Kissell 15
The Brush Rodeo Guide is a special supplement published by The Fort Morgan Times
Our Staff
Sara Waite, Editor/Publisher
Robin Northrup, Staff Writer Andrew Ohlson, Advertising Representative Matt Swaney, Publication Design
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ROBIN NORTHRUP — FORT MORGAN TIMES
The Brush Rodeo is celebrating its 70th year with three nights of rodeo action, July 2-4.
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Heading to the Brush Rodeo?
By Robin Northrup
The Fort Morgan Times
Saddle up for a star-spangled celebration as the Brush Rodeo returns for its 70th year at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, 750 Ellsworth Street in Brush. Take advantage of the many events July 2-4, at this family-friendly tradition Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under, and can be purchased at the gate or online via Eventbrite. Each evening features a Beer Garden hosted by the Brush Chamber of Commerce, food and more Details and updates can be found on the Brush Rodeo Facebook page
Wednesday, July 2 — All Cancer Awareness Night
3—7 p.m. — The CACE Western Art Show will kick off rodeo week at the Mark Arndt Event Center, a regional showcase of Western-themed creativity. Sponsored by Hubbard Feeds, the exhibit brings amazing talent, including Mountain Top Calf by Fort Morgan’s Ann Iungerich, who earned the 2024 People’s Choice award Iungerich, known for her acrylic paintings and community focus, brings the spirit of northeastern Colorado to life. The show will be open daily through July 4, and
many pieces will be for sale.
4:30—6 p.m — Royalty Rides sign-up begins at 4:30 p.m., with rides starting at 5 p.m. Boys and girls ages 5 to 10 can join the Brush Rodeo Royalty for a special lap around the arena This free tradition gives young participants a chance to be a part of the rodeo magic.
6:30 p.m. — Shockwave Trick Riders, based out of Denver, brings a high-energy show featuring Trick and Roman riders. Their stunts showcase speed, balance, and showmanship as they perform acrobatic moves on horseback.
7 p.m. — Brush Rodeo & Rodeo Clown: The event you have been waiting for. Opening night is dedicated to Cancer Awareness, a heartfelt tribute honoring individuals and families affected by all types of cancer. The evening also includes the popular Mutton Bustin’, presented by Leprino Foods, a longtime supporter of the Brush Rodeo. Young rodeo hopefuls try to hold tight to speedy sheep in a fun, crowd-favorite competition.
Thursday, July 3 — Pioneer Night
8 a.m. — Start the day with Slack, a traditional morning round of competition where rodeo con-
testants compete in events not included in the nightly main show. It’s a great way to catch some extra action-packed performances.
3—7 p.m. — CACE Western Art Show at the Mark Arndt Event Center continues to bring visitors to view the many styles of artwork, and maybe even find the perfect piece to take home.
Friday, July 4 — Red Shirt Friday, Parade & Fireworks
6—10 a.m. — There is no better way to start your day than with the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. You won’t want to miss a Fourth of July tradition, served in East Morgan County Library Park, 500 Clayton Street in Brush. Adults eat for $10 and kids for $6, a hot, fresh meal served by the Brush Lions Club.
6:30 p.m. — Shockwave Trick Riders The crowd-pleasing performers return with another trick and Roman riding display. Their routines feature incredible talent for an unforgettable pre-rodeo show.
7 p.m. — Thursday is Pioneer Night and Mutton Bustin’. Thursday’s main event features the presentation of the Watrous Pioneer Award, a Brush Rodeo tradition since 1975, honoring Morgan County residents who exemplify the “Pioneer Spirit.” The evening’s Mutton Bustin’ competition brings a second round of young riders hanging tight to determined sheep.
7—11 a.m — After breakfast, stroll into the East Morgan County Library for the Quilt Show & Book Sale The historic Carnegie Room will be home to the 36th annual Quilt Show, where you can view colorful creations from local quilters. Paired with a book sale, it’s a great way to spend your morning, before the Rodeo festivities begin.
10 a.m — The Fourth of July Parade, “70 Years of Stars, Stripes and Stirrups,” will pass by the East Morgan County Library. Celebrate hometown pride featuring floats,
ROBIN NORTHRUP — FORT MORGAN TIMES
The bleachers were packed with rodeo fans to watch the rodeo performances at the 69th Annual Brush Rodeo at the Morgan County Fair Grounds.
A century of Brush Rodeo history
Following is a through-the-years glance at the history of the Brush Rodeo.
1924 — A group of visionary Brush businessmen, spearheaded by Alonzo Petteys and J.R Ryland, bought land and deeded it to the City of Brush. This property is known as Memorial Park and the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
1925 — The first Rodeo and Race was held.
1927 — Some 17,000 attended the 3rd annual Brush Rodeo and Race when governor Billy Adams led the parade
1929 — A small fee was charged for parking in addition to a 50 cents gate charge. This helped finance a new amplified public address system.
1940s — Local participants won several events: 1942, Dean Christensen finished third in the pony race; 1943, Dale Stinton won the shoe race contest for boys over 70 pounds; 1946, Harry Mohrlang finished second in saddle bronc riding, while Bill Lowry won the bull dogging and calf roping.
1948 — New grandstands were added.
1949 — The first pari-mutuel horse racing in Colorado made its debut in Brush.
1953 — Brought temporary changes with the horse racing held in May and June; the Brush Jaycees sponsored midget auto races in July.
1955 — The Jacyees and other organizations formed the Brush Rodeo Association. The Association has since offered parades, rodeos, barbecues, fireworks and plenty of good, old-fashioned fun
1975 — The Watrous Pioneer Award, to honor an individual whose pioneering spirit makes Brush a welcome spot for thousands of rodeo fans each year, was introduced
1992 — The Rodeo Family of the Year Award was created by the Brush Rodeo Association. The Robert Walker family was the first recipient.
1995 — The Texas-Montana Trail Drive marker was dedicated to the public and new grandstands were added. Also, the United States Postal Service created a collector’s stamp honoring the Brush Rodeo
2017 — The first performance of the Colorado Cowgirls Performance Team was marked. The annual rodeo dance made its return. As an added treat, seven-time PRCA tiedown champion and 1999 PRCA all-around champion Fred Whitfield entered the field.
2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic forces the annual rodeo to be canceled.
2023 — A new rodeo era begins with a move to the PRCA.
2025 — The 70th Annual Brush Rodeo is held, with Joanne Gosselink serving as president
This photograph of the Brush Rodeo from circa 1940shows an announcer’s booth jutting out from the section with a full roof. The shape of the fence is more like what you would see with horse racing, as opposed to the kind you would see at a rodeo or fair grounds
Tenleigh Lorenzini, 2025 Lady in Waiting
By Robin Northrup The Fort Morgan Times
Tenleigh Lorenzini is the 2025 Brush Rodeo Lady in Waiting.
Tenleigh is the daughter of Chad and Katie Lorenzini and has two brothers, Americo and Axel. She and her family have spent their entire lives in Morgan County, where they reside on their family farm in Weldona.
At 16 years old, Tenleigh is currently a junior at Wiggins High School She competes on the varsity teams for both volleyball and basketball. In addition to athletics, she is involved in several organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America, FFA, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Faith Christian Students, the Student Council, and is an active member of her junior class. She has also been a part of 4-H for nine
years, showing multiple animals and taking part in shooting sports, sewing, and creative cooking.
Tenleigh’s passion for horses began at a young age when she started riding her father’s horse. She currently owns two horses and enjoys competing in Ranch and Gymkhana events.
Her experience as the 2021 Sweetheart ignited her interest in the Brush Rodeo Royalty. She is honored to serve as the 2025 Lady in Waiting and looks forward to representing the Brush Rodeo throughout Colorado.
Tenleigh is immensely grateful for the unwavering support from her family and community. She wishes to extend her thanks to the Brush Rodeo Board, all the rodeo participants, volunteers, and spectators, as well as the men and women who have bravely served our country.
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Tenleigh Lorenzini is the 2025Brush Rodeo Ladyin-Waiting
Rodeo
FROM PAGE 4
vintage vehicles, local responders, and more.
3—7 p.m. — The final CACE Western Art Show day. Your last chance to explore the full collection of works from talented artists.
4—6:30 p.m — Live Music, Food Vendors & Beer Garden Arrive early at the fairgrounds for live entertainment, local eats, and the Beer Garden hosted by the Brush Chamber of Commerce.
7 p.m. — Red Shirt Friday, Queen Crowning, and Mutton Bustin.’ Friday night’s rodeo theme invites guests to wear red to honor Red Shirt Friday, a national tradition recognizing deployed service members and veterans. The evening also includes the Crowning of the 2025 Rodeo Queen, and the final Mutton Bustin’ competition.
9 p.m. — Fantastic Fireworks! Look to the skies as the Brush Rodeo wraps with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting the night in red, white, and blue.
BRIAN PORTER — THE FORT MORGAN TIMES
Brush Lions Adriana Otero, left, and Tom Hofmann flip pancakes for the breakfast before the parade.
RODEO ROYALTY
Queens have held the reigns for 69 years
The following is a glance at those who have served as queen at the Brush Rodeo every year since 1956.
1956 — Joy Lowry
1957 — Donna Koehler
1958 — Lila Geyer
1959 — Carol Bott
1960 — Amy Asheim
1961 — Gwen Green
1962 — Terry Waitman
1963 — Sharon Shawcross
1964 — Evelyn Poitz
1965 — Donna Dick
1966 — Doris Weiss
1967 — Beverly Nuss
1968 — Sandy Tegtman
1969 — Verna Segelke
1970 — Rozalind Walbye
1971 — Debra Hall
1972 — Susan Wright
1973 — Jaylene Ruggles
1974 — Carol Wright
1975 — Merrigwen Segelke
1976 — Julie Weiderspan
1977 — Kathie Krengel
1978 — Jean Segelke
1979 — Teri McCartney
1980 — Carrie Weimer
1981 — Kim Reitz
1982 — Kise Irvine
1983 — Janine Bruce
1984 — Barb Irey
1985 — Lori Warboys
1986 — Denise Arb
1987 — Stacy Hodgson
1988 — Tracy Barnts
1989 — Beki Wacker
1990 — Evey Turner
1991 — Brenda Cook
1992 — Kaye McCartney
1993 — Sally Kembel
1994 — Sandy Owens
1995 — Nora Vanatta
1996 — Kristy Henderson
1997 — Vanessa VonFeldt
1998 — Kimber Thompson
1999 — Lindsy Redman
2000 — Elisa Magnuson
2001 — Seandale Poe
2002 — Crystal Sexton
2003 — Michelle McCracken
2004 — Erin Query
2005 — Laura Klenda
2006 — Kassi Watson
2007 — Krystal Booth
2008 — Jessie Haake
2009 — Megan Dooley
2010 — Kolby Bright
2011 — Morgan Norris
2012 — Rachael McCracken
2013 — Elysa Mora
2014 — Ayla Newman
2015 — Madison Warffeli
2016 — Clara Petersen
2017 — McKenna VonFeldt
2018 — Kyleigh Mellott
2019 — Jordan Uhrig
2020-21 — Rozilyn Sheppard*
2022 — Sateen Keller
2023 — Rebecca Boone
2025 — Tegan Halouska
* COVID era, served a two-year term as queen
Brush Rodeo Queen Kyleigh Mellott leads the royalty from the Brush Rodeo in the Fourth of July parade while carrying an American flag with a thin blue line to show support for local law enforcement
3 vie for Brush Rodeo crown
The Brush Rodeo will crown its 2026 royalty at the July 4 rodeo. The 2026 Lady in Waiting will serve as the 2027 rodeo queen.
Three contestants are vying for the crown, and they each shared some background on the Brush Rodeo Facebook page:
Ariana Faye Yoder
Ariana Yoder is the 16-year-old daughter of Brad and Tammy Yoder, and big sister to Brody Yoder She is a junior at Wiggins High School, where she is a member of FFA and FBLA. Ariana has spent time around horses since she could crawl and helps her family with their farm and Wagyu business. She is also a 4-H member, and has shown a variety of livestock, among other projects.
Lexxi Meyer
14-year-old Lexxi Meyer will be a freshman at Fort Morgan High School in the fall, with plans to join FFA. Lexxi was involved in athletics, including basketball, volleyball and track, in middle school. She has been riding horses since she was 3 years old and showing them for the past five years. A member of the Bijou 4-H Club, she will be showing her horse this year She has prior experience as rodeo royalty, as she was the 2022 Brush Rodeo Sweetheart Her mom served as the 1997 rodeo queen, and her cousin as the 2017 rodeo queen
Layla Booth
Layla Booth, 14, of Brush, is a student at Colorado Prep Academy. She enjoys barrel racing, rodeo, working and moving cattle. She hopes to turn her passion for horses into a career one day, as she has an interest in becoming an equine veterinarian or horse farrier. Layla rides three horses: Dyno, a 20-year-old bay AQHA gelding; TinkerBell, an 8-year-old red dun AQHA mare; and Flo Jo, a 9-yearold black AQHA mare.
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Ariana Yoder, Brush Rodeo royalty contestant
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Lexxi Meyer, Brush Rodeo royalty contestant
COURTESY PHOTO
Layla Booth, Brush Rodeo royalty contestant
Watrous Pioneer to be named July 3
The Brush Rodeo Association annually awards a deserving community member, family or group in Morgan County the Watrous Pioneer Award
The award began in 1975 to honor those who have contributed significantly and helped build the Morgan County community, and those who have shown a “pioneer” spirit
Named for Doc and Helen (Petteys) Watrous, this award encompasses the true pioneer spirit they exhibited throughout their lives. In 1924, Helen’s father, Alonzo Petteys, and businessman JR Ryland purchased and later deeded the land known today as Memorial Park and the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
That legacy of giving back has continued. Doc and Helen, along with Alozo and JR, all knew that Morgan County was a very special place and dedicated time, resources and hard work to make the Morgan County community what it became, the award description reads.
Recipients of the award have helped Brush and Morgan County welcome guests from around the state and throughout the nation for the annual rodeo during the past 47 years and longer.
The award recipient is announced on July 3 prior to the start of the rodeo performance, known as Pioneer Day Until the announcement, the recipient is a secret.
On Pioneer Day, all who are 62 years of age or older are admitted
free of charge, a long-standing tradition. Following are prior recipients of the award
1975 — Chris Danielsen
1976 — John Amen
1977 — William ‘Bill’ Luers
1978 — Charley Starr
1979 — N.C. ‘Jack’ Wagers
1980 — Grace Eakins
1981 — Harold Gray
1982 — Ted Rediess
1983 — Guidotta Bates
1984 — Ruth Henderson
1985 — Pat Kastler
1986 — Harvey Reinert
1987 — Joe Bowman
1988 — Ruth Powell
1989 — Warren M. ‘Doc’ & Helen Watrous
1990 — Reverend Reinhold Opp
1991 — Elizabeth Church
1992 — Frank & Kathy Mercer
1993 — Calvin ‘Cal’ Leach & Eileen Wahlert
1994 — Howard & Idessa Mann
1995 — Don & Margaret Queen
1996 — Scott Wolever
1997 — Sylva Kula
1998 — Jim & Anna Marie Hutcheson
1999 — Phil & Betty Vondy
2000 — Mary Mohrlang
2001 — Carl & Lucille Schlothauer
2002 — Elton & Laura Ingmire; Ray & Bev Ingmire
2003 — Ruth Scott
2004 — Harry Mohrlang
2005 — Etheldean Bell
2006 — John Glenn Family
2007 — Ron Edwards Family
2008 — Lloyd Hansen
2009 — John Woodward
2010 — Louis J. Lorenzini
2011 — Joy Kjeldgaard
2012 — Homer Wickham
2013 — Marvin and Beverly Kembel
2014 — Conrad Bostron Family
2015 — Art & Bernice Crosthwait
2016 — Phil Mortensen
2017 — Gary Hodgson
2018 — Larry & Patty Chartier Family
2019 — Steve Treadway
2021 — Jack “Doc” Collins
2022 — Donald “Chic” & Donna Ruhl
2023 — Don & Carol Heer
2024 — Pat & Kathy Draegert
COURTESY PHOTO Pat and Kathy Draegert receive
2024Watrous Pioneer Award at the Brush Rodeo
70TH ANNUAL BRUSH RODEO
Rodeo Family of the Year celebrates rodeo tradition
The Brush Rodeo annually honors a Rodeo Family of the Year, an award established in 1992 to recognize families and organizations who have dedicated their time and energy to the advancement of the rodeo tradition and who compete or have competed in rodeo around the state.
The recipients of this award are selected by the Brush Rodeo Committee This year’s recipient will be honored at the Brush Rodeo VIP reception. Prior recipients of the award are:
2024 — Joanne Gosselink and family, Jerry Bellis and family
2023 — Gregg and Ronda Mullen
2021 — Dave Sharman family
2019 — Segelke Family
2018 — Jim Odle
2017 — Toby Padilla
2016 — Robin Varelman
2015 — Randy and Jackie Danielsen
2014 — Brush Police Department
2013 — Tim and Lana Stutzman
2012 — Chuck Miller family
2011 — Al Campbell family
2010 — John Hinds
2009 — Brush Lions Club
1997 — Robert Walker family
1995 — Dr. John Collins
If you have more background detail on prior recipients of the Rodeo Family of the Year Award, email swaite@prairiemountainmedia.com.
ROBIN NORTHRUP — FORT MORGAN TIMES
Joanne Gosselink and her nephew Jerry Bellis were presented with the Brush Rodeo Family of the Year award at the 2024Rodeo VIP dinner.
CENTER FOR ARTS AND COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
CACE Western Art Show showcases diverse artistic talents
Morgan Community College’s Center for Arts and Community Enrichment will again host the CACE Western Art Show in conjunction with the annual Brush Rodeo.
This highly anticipated 3-day exhibition will take place at the Mark Arndt Event Center on the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The show will be open from 3 to 7 p.m. July 2-4
Featuring a curated selection of 2D and 3D pieces, the CACE Western Art Show offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Western artistry. With space reserved for 25 talented artists, you’ll have the chance to explore a diverse range of artworks, all available for sale. The artists will receive a generous 90% share of the proceeds, with the remaining 10% going towards operational expenses to support this exceptional event
This year’s featured artist is Ann Iungerich, a renowned acrylic painter and community art advocate based in northeast Colorado. Her painting, Mountain Top Calf, won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Western Art Show
With a passion for creativity that began in her school days, Iungerich has since become a driving force in the art scene of Fort Morgan and beyond Known for her vibrant and expressive acrylic paintings, Iungerich’s work captures the essence of her surroundings and reflects her deep connection to her community
Throughout her career, Iungerich has spearheaded numerous collaborative art initiatives, bringing people together through projects like Pedal the Plains, where she transformed donated bicycles into
the striking “Pedal Power” sculpture. Her contributions to HGTV’s Hometown Takeover showcased her talent on a national stage, as she crafted a massive scrap-metal bowling pin and ball for Fort Morgan’s Gold Crown Lanes, symbolizing the town’s resilience and potential. Additionally, her involvement in The Global Roots Project has connected her with artists world-
wide, culminating in a monumental mural that celebrates unity and diversity
A lifelong resident of Morgan County, Iungerich’s commitment to revitalizing her hometown is evident in her tireless efforts to highlight its historic charm and foster a sense of pride through art. Whether painting heartfelt works, like those displayed at The Block,
El Valle, La Sabrosita Market, or rallying her community for largescale installations, Iungerich continues to inspire with her boundless creativity and dedication to making art a shared experience.
The CACE Western Art Show is open to the public, and admission is free. Come and experience the beauty and creativity of Western art
COURTESY PHOTO
Ann Iungerich’s Mountain Top Calf won the 2024People’s Choice Award
GIVING BACK
Brush Rodeo Association awards scholarship to Kate Kissell
By Robin Northrup
The Fort Morgan Times
The Brush Rodeo Association and Foundation have established a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a high school senior from northeast Colorado who will participate in an intercollegiate rodeo sports program.
Scholarship recipient Kate Kissel, raised in Genoa, comes from a long line of ranchers. She deeply appreciates her family, friends, faith, and lifestyle, as these have all played a significant role in shaping her into the person she is today. Kate approaches everything she does with a competitive spirit, giving her all while aiming to reflect Christ’s light in the process.
The rodeo arena has always been a big part of her life, filled with many memories to look back on.
Now, as she begins her freshman year of college, she will continue to pursue her rodeo career at Lamar Community College, eager to create even more unforgettable moments
Academically, she will study Agricultural Business and Marketing. Her goal is to make a meaningful impact on rural communities by promoting and marketing everything agricultural.
As Kate approaches a new chapter in her life, she understands the value of a strong support system So, Kate would like to give a big thank you to the Brush Rodeo Association; their support has truly made a difference!
