July2024
Bull Riding Champion Stetson Wright 2023 Rooftop Rodeo
Photo by: Phillip Kitts
Rooftop welcome from Estes Park
By Mayor Gary Hall ghall@estes.org
Welcome to beautiful Estes Park and the Rooftop Rodeo, the Rodeo with Altitude! As Mayor of the Town of Estes Park, I’ll express our town’s appreciation of the Rooftop Rodeo and its longtime volunteers for the work they’ve done for many years. The volunteers are vital to making the rodeo so valuable to our residents and to our many guests each year.
T here is much more to it, though. This event doesn’t happen without the tremendous support of our sponsors, many of whom have supported the rodeo for several years. Because of them, our town is able to produce the kind of rodeo that wins numerous awards and is so well-supported by
our residents
It’s also an opportunity to celebrate our Western heritage. The hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls who bring their talents to town also bring their love of rodeo and their passion for the Western way of life. They help offer the unique setting that is the six days of rodeo. Many of them are elite rodeo performers, some are qualifiers to the annual National Finals Rodeo, and some of them are celebrated world champions
Most importantly, this event offers us a chance to celebrate the best things about Estes Park. We are a giving community, receptive to all people who travel great distances to witness the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in this quaint setting. The Rooftop Rodeo event offers wholesome entertainment and a glimpse of our past intertwined with the present.
Welcome to Estes and we hope you enjoy the Rooftop Rodeo!
Join us for 2024 Rooftop Rodeo
By Kara Franker, CEO Visit Estes Park
On behalf of Visit Estes Park, I am excited to welcome you to the Rooftop Rodeo! We are glad to have you join us for this time-hon-
ored event that showcases the lively spirit of Estes Park.
This beloved tradition brings together top rodeo athletes from around the world for a series of exciting competitions that will surely keep you entertained Be sure not
to miss the Rooftop Rodeo Parade, featuring floats, horses, hitches and marching bands cruising through downtown Estes Park, led by Miss Rodeo America. And keep an eye out for our Visit Estes Park float,
Gary Hall
Kara Franker
2024 Rooftop Rodeo Parade
By Ted Harbin
“A SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN COWBOY” >> Monday July 8, 2024 10:00 a.m. Parade Colors: Red, White, Blue Participant Line-Up Begins: 8:30 a.m. Parade Steps-Off: 10:00 a.m.
Estes Park’s annual Rooftop Rodeo Parade features horse mounted riders, floats, first responder vehicles, rodeo queens from around the state and more.
Due to downtown road construction, this year’s parade will feature a new route that will begin and end at the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
Free parking for parade spectators will be available in the Event Center Parking lot Prime parade viewing will be along Manford Avenue, State Highway 7, U.S. Highway 36,
RODEO >> PAGE 22
Estes Park’s annual Rooftop Rodeo Parade features horse mounted riders, floats, first responder vehicles, rodeo queens from around the state and more.
2024 Rooftop Rodeo schedule
By Rooftop Rodeo
The Rooftop Rodeo is a signature event of the Town of Estes Park, Colorado. Many of the World’s top rodeo contestants make their way to beautiful Estes Park each summer to match up with livestock from Cervi Championship Rodeo to compete for thousands in prize money. Knows as “The Rodeo with Altitude” it is the rodeo held at the highest altitude in the United States.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 5, Fiesta Night
5p.m.: Gates and vendors open
5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Preshow: Rocky Mountain Renegades
7p.m.: PRCA Rodeo Non-Profit of the Night: Estes Valley Crisis Advocates Barrel Racing Slack immediately following rodeo performance
9p.m.: Live Music: Sugar Britches
Saturday, July 6, Pink Night
The Rooftop Rodeo comes at the end of “Cowboy Christmas” the busiest time of year in Professional Rodeo and the contestants come to Estes Park to cool off and enjoy the scenery and all Estes Park has to offer. The Rooftop Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association which allows for the highest level of competition in the sport!
Rodeo Fans will enjoy fun for the whole family with entertainment, food, vendors and RODEO! Covered grandstands allow for a safe, enjoyable experience no matter the weather.
Top rodeo talent, the best contract personnel and beautiful scenery make the Rooftop Rodeo a fan favorite.
8a.m.: Timed Event Slack 5p.m.: Gates and vendors open
5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Pre-Show: Rocky Mountain Renegades
7p.m.: PRCA RodeoNon-Profit of the Night: Estes Park Hospital Foundation We encourage you to proudly wear pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research. Barrel Racing Slack immediately following rodeo performance
9p.m.: Live Music: Eric Golden Band
Sunday, July 7, Military Appreciation Night
10a.m.: Children’s Stick Horse Rodeo — Bond Park (Free until Noon)
Volunteers the spark for Rooftop
By Ted Harbin
Media Coordinator Rooftop Rodeo
Rooftop Rodeo isn’t just a community event.
It’s a regional event that reaches people globally, and it takes place for six straight summer nights—at 7 p.m. Friday, July 5, through Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds
Much of the reason for that is the large tourism base that attracts millions to town each year, but there’s more to it. Of the dozens of volunteers, many come from outside Estes Park and venture to town to help organize and produce the annual event.
“I do it because we’ve got a great group of people that work together to put on an awesome rodeo,” said Meg McEachron, a volunteer since 2018 who lives in Berthoud, Colorado, where she trains horses and teaches riding lessons “It’s fun to show our way of life to so many people who don’t normally get exposed to it.”
She was raised in upstate New York, but she’s no East Coast prude. She was raised around livestock and has always understood a more Western way of life.
“My grandfather was a horseman; he stopped riding before I was born, but I definitely heard his love for it my whole life,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to have really great neighbors who had horses, so I got to be involved with their horses and helped exercise them, which was a great way to learn about the Western lifestyle
Though McEachron makes a living with horses, she still takes the time to volunteer for Rooftop Rodeo and be around them even more in one of the most beautiful settings in the sport
“We have a strong volunteer base from other Colorado communities, and we need their help,” said Rob Hinkle, the community services director with the Town of Estes Park.
He estimated that 90 people a year donate their time, talent and energy to
the rodeo
“The town would not be able to put on the rodeo without the help of all our volunteers,” he said. “It takes a committed group that meets for six months and then works the six-day rodeo When this year’s rodeo ends, we will immediately start planning for next year.”
“It took over 1,900 hours of volunteer help to produce last year’s rodeo.”
Brett Dennis puts in his share of time toward that.
“We not only truly enjoy the lifestyle the week of the rodeo, but we enjoy the year-round camaraderie of being part of that group of people.”
McEachron, who is in charge of the production team and helps coordinate other aspects of the rodeo, said she loves the event but, like Dennis, loves the collaboration with others even more. It’s a true team setting, which is why the rodeo has been so successful over the years.
“We’ve got a really great group of people who have stuck it out through all the changes we’ve had recently,” she said. “It’s just a fun group to be part of, and it’s really nice to have this group of people who wants to try hard and makes
VOLUNTEERS » PAGE 22
2024 Rooftop Royalty Competition
By Rooftop Rodeo
2024/25 Rooftop Rodeo Royalty Competition Schedule
Saturday, June 29, 2024 8:00 am: Rodeo Grounds Workday and Volunteer Lunch
4:00 p.m.: Interviews
6:00 p.m : Stage Competition
Sunday, June 30, 2024
9:00 a.m. Horsemanship Competition Announcement of 2025 Royalty
Rooftop Rodeo Queen Névé Cooper and Attendant Jerilyn Fischer invite you to participate in the Rooftop Royalty Program!
What is the Rooftop Rodeo Royalty Program?
The Rooftop Royalty is a youth development program for boys and girls ages 9 and 25 to preserve rodeo and the western way of life in
the town of Estes Park The royalty program provides a unique opportunity to cultivate an atmosphere for youth development while representing organizations such as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), the Rooftop Rodeo, and the Town of Estes Park Girls and boys involved in the program work behind the scenes to promote the rodeo all while developing communication skills, speech and interview skills, and valuable skills which will aid them through school and beyond. The Royalty will promote western heritage throughout Estes Park, during rodeo week, and other events throughout the year.
For more information about our royalty program please contact the Rooftop royalty coordinator and Chairperson, Holly, at roy-
alty@rooftoprodeo.com .
Want to have the Rooftop Rodeo Queen and Attendant attend your next event?
The Rooftop Rodeo Queen and Attendant love to give back and help the community by traveling to other Rodeos, Fairs and Parades pro-
moting rodeo and the western way of life. If you would like them to speak at your club, organization, or invite them to your next event please send an email to Holly at royalty@ rooftoprodeo.com to schedule an appearance. We would love to hear from you.
Think EPH Urgent Care for medical needs
By Wendy Rigby Estes Park Health
When you’re sick or injured but you don’t need the emergency room and you can’t get into your regular physician’s office, Estes Park Health’s Urgent Care Center is close and convenient
Staffed with professionals who know how to take care of everything from bumps and bruises to simple bone breaks and infections, our Urgent Care is ready to take care of business quickly and efficiently.
“There are a lot of minor injuries and illnesses that don’t need emergency room attention but simply can be taken care of at urgent care,” said Elise Booth, EPH Urgent Care Family Nurse Practitioner.
“We identified a need in the community to fill some gaps for people who were either traveling or locals who couldn’t see their primary care providers.
“We also saw an opportunity that we could relieve some of the patient care done by the emergency department when people didn’t need to be there.”
The Estes Park Health Urgent Care opened in May of 2020. It’s conveniently located off Highway 34 at 420 Steamer Drive. The spacious, state-of-the art facility includes seven exam rooms, an x-ray suite, a pharmacy, an orthopedic room for splint-
IVs sometimes because sometimes we see people with altitude related symptoms. Often oxygen if that’s appropriate.
“Anti-nausea drugs for sometimes related altitude symptoms. And then injuries, many injuries, whether it’s your elbow, your knee, from hiking and falling. Ankle sprains. Fractures Fishhooks that maybe are caught in someone’s ear lobe.”
The staff at EPH Urgent Care says the variety of medical cases keeps them on their toes.
“I love the diversity,” Booth emphasized “I see new people all the time I see different things all the time. I’m constantly challenged. I’m constantly learning.
For patients, the cost and convenience of Urgent Care are huge benefits.
ing, testing equipment and — most importantly — a staff of professionals ready for whoever walks in the door.
“This is a very nice facility,” Dr. Cynthia DiLauro of EPH commented. “It’s large and the rooms are open and new and modern Everything’s available to you It’s accessible. And the staff here is wonderful. Everyone works together very well. I think it’s just a great team.”
Dr DiLauro is one of the internal medicine physicians at EPH. She covers some shifts
at the Urgent Care on the weekends. DiLauro and the nurse practitioners, EMTs and paramedics who help patients address many common complaints.
“We see a lot of people with a sore throat,” Dr. DiLauro pointed out. “I would say overall probably pharyngitis. And then COVID symptoms have been more popular recently. We can do a rapid strep to rule out strep pharyngitis. We can give you a COVID test. And then we can do x-rays. We do start
“We’re saving people from ER visits that are unnecessary,” Booth added. “We’re open seven days a week It’s hard these days to get into your primary care provider for same-day appointments. We’re happy to provide that service to our community members as well.”
When a bump, bruise or break just can’t wait, think Estes Park Health Urgent Care. Patients receive the same, high-quality care of Estes Park Health delivered at this stand-alone center.
To watch a video about EPH Urgent Care, go to https:// youtu.be/1iRKNBFv2u4.
which has a few special surprises in store for our locals and visitors, thanking them for their support of our community
The Rooftop Rodeo is more than just action-packed events, it’s a celebration of our town’s rich Western heritage and welcoming community, too.
As you enjoy the festivities, I encourage you to explore all that Estes Park has to offer Dig into our local cuisine, browse the unique shops, and enjoy live music all around town. These special experiences are what entices attendees to come back year after year. We hope you’ll do the same!
We look forward to seeing you at the annual Rooftop Rodeo for a memorable celebration!
Warmest regards.
10 competing in Crowns for the Care: Give Cancer the Boot!
By Linda Lambert llambert@eph.org
This summer, nine local women will compete for Mrs Rooftop Rodeo’s Crowns for the Care Competition.
The contestant who raises the most money will be crowned Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo 2024.
As with other Paint Estes Pink activities, 100% of donations benefit cancer diagnosis and treatment at Estes Park Health.
2023 Crowns for the Care Contestants
Kate Arterburn; Katie Bohlke; Breeyan Edwards; Sarah Fink; Shari Hightower; Ania Leahy; Elena
Nedobukh; Margaret Rothermel; Carissa Streib; Candy Wall.
Help Crown Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo
You can help your favorite Crowns for the Care contestant by donating at GivetoEPH.org/Crowns and including her name in the comments field or by writing a check to “EPH Foundation” with the contestant’s name on the memo line. Please send to the check EPH Foundation at PO Box 3650, Estes Park, CO 80517
To learn about the other Paint Estes Pink campaign efforts, visit GivetoEPH.org/ pink or contact giving@eph. org.
Schedule
FROM PAGE 8
5p.m.: Gates and vendors open
5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Preshow: Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandies
7p.m.: PRCA RodeoNon-Profit of the Night: American Legion Post 119Military personnel and their families pay just $12per person for general admission (I.D. required). Barrel Racing Slack immediately following rodeo performance
Monday, July 8, Family Night
5p.m.: Gates and vendors open 5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Preshow: — Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandies
7p.m.: PRCA Rodeo Non-profit: EVICS Tickets for children (ages 3-12) are just $5each
Tuesday, July 9, First Responders Night
5p.m.: Gates and vendors open
5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Preshow: Blazing Saddles
7p.m.: PRCA RodeoNon-profit of the Night: Flinch Forward First Responders and their families pay just $12per person for general admission. Barrel Racing Slack immediately following rodeo performance
Wednesday, July 10, Locals Night
5p.m.: Gates and vendors open
5p.m.: Behind the Scenes Tour (Ticketed Event)
6:45p.m.: Preshow: Blazing Saddles
7p.m.: PRCA Rodeo
Locals receive a 25percent discount on general admission with online coupon code (only when ordering tickets online or purchasing in advance at the Event Center office)
Events Each Night: Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Mutton Bustin, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing
Springing into summer at The Stanley
By William Oster woster @prairiemountainmedia.com
With spring slowly moving into summer, Estes Park is entering into a new season of liveliness and entertainment.
No matter the time of year though, The Stanley has events to keep people enthralled through any season. Here is your guide to finding the ones that captivate your interests.
Amy Bruni at the Stanley: Walking with Ghosts: Real Life Haunting with Ghost Hunter, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Amy Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s
most haunted locations Amy shares her unique approach to interacting with the spirits of the dead and those who encounter them By the end of the night, you will question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death.
Haunted Objects Live!, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
Are you ready to uncover the chilling true stories behind the world’s most haunted objects? Join Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) for an interactive presentation that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
As two of the world’s only full-time paranormal investigators, the Newkirks have spent their lives collecting and caring for cursed artifacts, possessed dolls, and other creepy artifacts said to
display supernatural activity. Now you can experience their spine-tingling true tales yourself!
During this presentation, the Newkirks will take you on a journey through history, folklore, and true-life accounts of encounters with objects that seem to possess a life of their own
Learn the untold truth about famous cursed objects like the Crying Boy Painting, discover why the Dybbuk Box is scarier than the demon it’s rumored to imprison, and tag along as Greg & Dana reveal how they broke the curse of the Catskills Crone!
You’ll even have the opportunity to help the Newkirks create a new haunted artifact, live and in person, with just the power of your mind!
This interactive stage presentation is a must-see event for anyone interested in the paranormal, history, or just
looking for a good scare!
Trivia Haunt at the Stanley, Nov. 15-17
Gamify the Stanley Hotel’s Pop Culture Legacy Win Prizes. Are you craving a vacation that combines your love of horror movie culture, thrilling games, and the iconic Stanley Hotel?
Trivia Haunt is the perfect escape, offering a gamified celebration of the Stanley Hotel’s legendary place in books, films, and nature.
Join us for an immersive trivia experience, filled with themed quizzes, exciting mini-games, special challenges, and great prizes that will make your trip unforgettable.
The weekend is brought to you by the same team that produces SporcleCon, the country’s largest trivia event.
Tickets on sale Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m
Crowns for the Care makes a difference in Estes Park
By David Johnston and Estes Park Health Foundation
MediaNews
Group
Estes Park Health Foundation recently recognized the tremendous fundraising accomplishments of last year’s Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo contestants.
This group — including Ingrid Drouin, Betsy Bayer, Marguerite Sandell, Jennifer McLellan, Wendy Rigby, Debbie Stalder, Lisa Wahler, Maureen McCann and 2023 winner Ruth Cooper — raised a record-breaking $113,618.20 to purchase a new DEXA bone density scanning machine for Estes Park Health, as well as funding the service and maintenance contract
This year’s campaign is just underway, and we will present each of this year’s great candidates over the coming weeks, highlighting their contributions to our community and inspirations for dedicating their efforts to fundraising for oncology care at Estes Park Health. Crowns for the Care contestants compete for the title of Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo each year by participating in our fundraising competition, where the highest-earning philanthropist is crowned during Pink Night at the Rooftop Rodeo. Pink Night is the culmination of Paint Estes Pink, a community-wide effort with help from local businesses to raise awareness of the initia-
This group raised a record-breaking $113,618.20to purchase a new DEXA bone density scanning machine for Estes Park Health, as well as funding the service and maintenance contract CROWNS » PAGE 22
2024 mutton bustin contest
By Rooftop Rodeo
Every night of the rodeo, 10 lucky cowboys and cowgirls will have a chance to compete in the exciting sport of mutton bustin. Six spots each night are offered to the first six kids to fill out an application for that night. To apply for one of these spots for your child, please fill out the online application form at https://dms.estes.org/ Forms/2023muttonbustin.
The remaining four contestants each night are chosen via a lottery. To enter your child’s name in the lottery for a given night, you may either fill out the application above, or fill out an application in person the night of the event. In-person applications will be available beginning at 5 p.m. each night just inside the ticket gate All appli-
cations received (online or in person) prior to 6 p.m. each night will be entered into the lottery, and the four winning names will be drawn at 6pm that night If you have prereg-
istered or entered the lottery online, you are required to check in at the mutton bustin table no later than 5:30 p.m. on event night to keep your spot, no exceptions. If your
child’s name is drawn, you will be notified via cell phone shortly after 6 p.m.
Your chances of being chosen for the lottery are the same whether you fill out the online application or the in-person application.
Event Details
Sign Up: Entry online only. Entries were to be online on April 1, 2024 at 10 a.m Entry Fee: $30 to be paid during the online entry process, no refunds Rodeo: Family members, including the contestant, need a ticket to the rodeo itself in order to participate and watch. Time: The rodeo starts at 7pm each night. Mutton Bustin takes place in the middle of the rodeo. Contact: For more information, contact Town of Estes Park events staff at 970586-6104 or events@estes.org
Behind the chutes
By Rooftop Rodeo
Behind the Chutes is your chance to venture out to where all the action happens. You’ll meet the stock contractor, contestants and arena crew who will explain the sport of rodeo Get an up close and personal tour of the arena equipment, participate in some mock events, see the livestock and meet the clowns It’s a great time to ask questions and to learn more about the sport of rodeo from the pros themselves.
Tours are available at 5:00 p.m. Tickets for the rodeo can be purchased online prior to rodeo week on the Rooftop Rodeo Tickets page. Already have your rodeo ticket?
You can purchase Behind the Chutes tour tickets in advance along with your rodeo general admission tickets at the link below
If you have a party of 20 or more, we may be able to arrange a special tour for your group. Call 970.577.3920 for more information Please note that the tour will take you through areas of thick, loose dirt (sometimes mud), so please wear appropriate shoes. Flip flops or expensive shoes are probably not a good idea!
After your tour, grab that tasty chow and a beverage, meet old and new friends, and settle in for a great evening!
Get behind the chutes tour tickets at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35551/production/1119277
COURTESY PHOTO
Get an up close and personal tour of the arena equipment, participate in some mock events, see the livestock and meet the clowns
Estes Park welcomes rodeo
By Ted Harbin
No matter the direction from which they come, the drive into this scenic community is both magnificent and engaging
That spectacular view and the many others that come while in Estes Park are why it’s a destination for millions of people every year. From escapades around town to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, it’s the perfect setting for tourists throughout the summers.
see some pretty great athletes in a different level than they’ve ever seen before.”
That’s the thing about Western sports: The athletes aren’t just human. Rodeo offers a chance to see amazingly fast horses that can run in straight lines, stop on a dime or make it around a cloverleaf pattern while also seeing the pure athleticism that comes from a bucking horse or a bucking bull as it performs.
One of the attractions available to them is Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
“The Town of Estes Park has supported rodeos for
nearly 100 years, and Rooftop Rodeo is our town’s signature event,” said Rob Hinkle, the community services director for the Town of Estes Park “For us, it’s something we take great pride in as a community.
“The six-day event has a large economic impact for the town, and it helps support many non-profits in the community.”
Both aspects are critical and serve as a big reason why the town conducts the annual rodeo. While the town owns Rooftop Rodeo, the administrators lean on rodeo coordinator Cindy Schonholtz, who not only produces the event but also helps direct the large contingent of volunteers.
Each performance is filled with a variety of world-class competition, side-splitting comedy and fun for an entire clan That’s quite the attraction to for a family on vacation, already in a vibrant community that seeks to greet each guest with service and gratitude.
“We have a large amount of tourists that attend our rodeo, so we are giving them the Western experience,” Hinkle said “For many, we are introducing them to the great sport of rodeo and a way to
Ropers are like basketball’s 3-point shooters, only the cowboys have to be more accurate. While an NBA player has a guaranteed salary and will likely get a raise by making 35 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, a roper has no secured income and had better be 95 percent accurate if he’s going to earn a paycheck at the rodeo.
When mixed with drill teams, fun for the kids and the antics of 10-time PRCA Clown of the Year Justin Rumford, it’s an action-packed evening with great entertainment value for those in the audience
“Our rodeo has a great mix of locals, rodeo enthusiasts and tourists, some of whom have never been to a rodeo,” Hinkle said. “I think our rodeo does a great job of building new fans for the sport.
“We are at the entry of the Rocky Mountain National Park that has over 4.5 million visitors a year. Our community thrives on being welcoming and offering great hospitality to our guests.”
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.
ROOFTOP RODEO — COURTESY PHOTO
The Rooftop Rodeo is a chance for all to understand the Western legacy that has made Estes Park what it is today
Rooftop is just right for rodeo
By Ted Harbin
The heat of rodeo competition and the heat of summer collide during a lucrative series of events that surround the Fourth of July holiday.
Hundreds of contestants will have a chance to cool their minds and bodies when they make their way to Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. Like so many tourists who make their way to this town every summer, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls converge on the community to not only enjoy the scenery and atmosphere, but they also have their chance at big money.
Take Shelley Morgan, a barrel racer from Eustace, Texas. She and her main
mount, Kiss, have been running hot in their home state, so a trip to the cool mountain air is the perfect reprieve for the talented duo Morgan is a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier who is sixth in the world standings heading into the holiday week.
She must like Estes Park,” Morgan said of Kiss, a 10-yearold sorrel mare, on which she won Rooftop Rodeo last July. “She was feeling it that night.”
The dynamic duo will return to Estes Park for this year’s rodeo with a repeat title in mind. Morgan, who finished third in the 2022 world standings after winning the aggregate championship at that year’s NFR, just missed the finale last year, placing 23rd overall — only the top 15 contestants on the money list in each event at the conclusion of the regular season advance to Las Vegas to run
for the titles.
The one thing barrel racers know is times will be fast at Granny May Arena Morgan and Kiss set a new standard when they rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 15.84 seconds.
“She did feel like she was running in Estes,” Morgan said “You can feel when she’s not running and when she’s overrating the barrels. Did I feel like she was going to do that good? No, but I knew it was going to be fast.
“I know she’s done good there before, so a lot of times you try to go where you know the horse likes that setup I was second on the ground, so that helped some. We didn’t know what Estes was going to be like, because it had rained quite a bit in previous days.”
The footing held up, and so did Morgan’s time.
“I just tried to focus on my position and put her in
the right spots,” she said. “It seems we do a lot better when I trust her and let her do her job.”
Rodeo’s a unique sport in that the contestants must rely on animals to succeed. In the three roughstock events — bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding — scores are based on a 100- point scale, with half the score coming from the animal Waylon Bourgeios and Richmond Champion shared the bareback riding title with matching 85.5-point rides, while Stu Wright posted an 87.5 to win saddle bronc riding.
His nephew, Stetson, is the winningest cowboy competing today with eight gold buckles, five of which have come in the all-around category. Stetson Wright won Rooftop Rodeo’s bull riding,
ROOFTOP » PAGE 20
Watch for baby elk, protective mamas
By Dawn Wilson
We have reached that time of year when the efforts by the elk during last fall’s rut materialize into the birth of the spring elk calves.
Starting around the third week of May, the season’s earliest calves are born Most cows give birth the last week of May or first week of June, but calves conceived late in the rut season could be born as far into the summer as late June.
A rule of thumb for the timing of the beginning of calving season is to watch for the appearance of the smooth coats on the cows after shedding their thick winter coats, which typically happens around Memorial Day Weekend in Estes Valley. This indicates the weather is warm enough for the calves.
The timing of elk calving season, or more importantly, the timing of the fall rut when considering a 245-day gestation period for an elk calf, falls when the grasses and forbs for the cows and calves reach their peak growth season. Food is abundant and provides the nourishment the mothers need to produce the milk for the calves.
Elk cows typically only give birth to one calf; twins are very rare. At birth, the calf weighs about 35 pounds and
cause they are hiding their babies, the cows and the calf could be anywhere, and you don’t want to inadvertently wind up in the middle of the two.
Each year, locals and visitors to this area are chased by cows not out of aggression but as a method of protecting their new babies, and moods can be unpredictable. Being vigilant around elk, especially with a dog present, will keep people, dogs and elk safe.
FROM PAGE 19
posting the highest marking of the six-day rodeo, an 88-point ride on Cervi Rodeo’s Theodore.
In the timed events, the fastest runs in each discipline take the titles. The biggest names in ProRodeo make their way to Estes Park every summer They want all the perks the town has to offer, and they want the big bucks that are available at Rooftop
can stand about 20 minutes after birth. Calves grow very quickly, weighing as much as 175 pounds by their first winter.
Elk calves are covered in white spots for about the first three months of life, a survival adaptation to help them camouflage from predators when hiding in willows or other bushes. They are also born scentless, another technique to help keep the vulnerable babies hidden from predators.
Estes Valley is home to a healthy elk population of at least 600 to 800 elk Although not all cows will successfully breed, those that do will find a quiet, secluded spot to give birth. For the first couple weeks of the calf’s life, it will
Rodeo
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m
For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com.
Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.
be sheltered by their mom, hiding while she feeds, before joining back up with the larger herd.
It is during this period that the cow elk are most protective of their calves. In Estes Valley, it is important to keep a watchful eye for cows. Be-
Although elk may give birth anywhere in Estes Valley, some of the more frequent locations are near the Lake Estes Golf Course, Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course, the Matthews-Reeser Bird Sanctuary on the west end of Lake Estes, and in Wapiti Meadows In Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake, Endovalley and Moraine Park are areas frequently used by cow elk
DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY — COURTESY PHOTO
An elk calf rejoins its mother after falling into the Big Thompson River on a sunny morning in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rumford returns to Rooftop Rodeo
By Ted Harbin
From his spot inside the fences, Justin Rumford looked up to the crowd packed inside Granny May Arena and marvels.
On the footsteps of the Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounded by a picturesque lake and the glorious peaks, he noticed something spectacular that came through the faces in the audience
For a man who was raised in rodeo, he identifies with most of them, even though they weren’t
“Truthfully, a lot of those people aren’t really rodeo fans, but they want to be part of the rodeo experience,” said Rumford, the featured entertainer at Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, July 5Wednesday, July 10, at the arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
“We’ve got tourists that are stopping by while they’re in Estes Park. We get to cater to people that go to one rodeo a year, and they chose to come to this one. It’s pretty special when you think about it.”
The setting is unlike most of the events in professional rodeo. That’s something only Estes Park can offer, but it’s an experience that anyone could enjoy. For folks traveling to or through Colorado, it’s a destination town, and the rodeo has been a major part of the community for decades.
“Some people who come to the rodeo in Estes Park may never go to another rodeo,” Rumford said. “When you have a tourist rodeo like that, it’s so important to make those people feel like the show they saw was worth their dollar.
“I started my career in Cody, Wyoming, which also has a lot of tourists. You want
to appeal to the tourists, but you also have to remember that there are still a lot of people that come to the rodeo because they like rodeo. You want to put on a show for everybody.”
That’s the way organizers think. They want nothing but the best, which is why Rumford returns After a one-year hiatus, the entertainer is back where he rightfully belongs.
“When you rodeo for a living, you go to rodeos so you an get a check, but then you have the ones you truly enjoy,” said Rumford, a 10-time PRCA Clown of the Year from Ponca City, Oklahoma
“When I get to Estes Park, it feels like I’m home. That was one of my first rodeos, and I know a ton of people in town.
“It’s just fun. It’s one of those rodeo where it’s fun to be there. You’ve got great atmosphere, and how can you beat waking up overlooking that beautiful lake and the mountains surrounding you?”
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m
To order tickets online or to obtain more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, log on to www RooftopRodeo.com.
Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.
Volunteers
FROM PAGE 9
the show a little bit better for our fans and our contestants.”
Dennis grew up in a farming community in Illinois. Even as a youngster, there was something about rural America that drew him to it.
“When I was real little, the other kids would talk about wanting to be police officers and firefighters and doc-
tors and lawyers,” he said “I used to tell everybody I just wanted to be a farmer.”
He may not be in the field planting crops or trying to guess the right time to sell his grain, but he loves being associated with Rooftop Rodeo.
“I think it’s cool to be part of something bigger than we are on a regular basis. I’ve got two young girls that have literally spent their entire lives going to the rodeo in Estes Park for a week in July.”
Crowns
FROM PAGE 15
tive. This year Pink Night will be celebrated on Saturday, July 6.
Crowns for the Care 2024 is raising funds to purchase a Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound machine.
gence that will save women time in finding out their diagnosis, as well as ease their mind and speed up advanced care as needed
FROM PAGE 20
for giving birth
During elk calving season, look around corners before exiting buildings and walking along paths or sidewalks as elk calves bed down next to buildings, under cars and in bushes and shrubs used in landscaping. Watch a cow elk for signs of distress, such as
pinning down her ears or intently staring If a cow does charge or chase you, find something sturdy to hide in or behind, like a car
Elk know few boundaries, but people, however, can make decisions to keep both animals and humans safe. Use common sense during calving season, keep a safe distance from wildlife, take your time to stay alert to your surroundings and enjoy the moment.
This system will allow our on-site radiologist to perform needle-guided biopsies at Estes Park Health, bringing significant advancements in our ability to diagnose breast cancer quickly and efficiently at a location convenient for Estes Valley residents.
The EPIQ Elite features an exceptional level of clinical performance, workflow, and advanced intelli-
Rodeo
FROM PAGE 6
way 36, and 4th Street. Road closures along the route will begin approximately 9 a.m.
Mutton
FROM PAGE 16
Guidelines: Ages: 5 — 8
Weight: 55 lbs. and under day of the event
Children will be weighed during check in registration in the cloths they will ride with
Children are allowed to hold to the sheep with their hands only. NO other devices may be used, i.e. ropes or spurs
Please make sure your child has no open toed shoes for the event. (i.e. flip flops)
Contestants must wear helmet, vest and number provided. Long sleeves and long pants recommended.
Preregistered contestants should check-in at the Fairgrounds no later than 5:30 p.m. Arrival after that will
As part of its strategic plan, Estes Park Health is aiming to create a more female-friendly diagnostic imaging center, a vital service for what is an increasing concern among Estes Valley’s population.
One hundred percent of all donations to Crowns for the Care 2024 will benefit this initiative. To find out more about the Mrs Rooftop Rodeo competition and contribute to the cause go to GiveToEPH.org/pink or call 970-577-4370.
David Johnston is the Development and Communications Manager for Estes Park Health Foundation
Roads will reopen once the parade concludes.
After the parade, head to the free Estes Park Visitor Center Parking Structure and stroll the River Walk to visit our amazing downtown businesses!
result in your child being removed from the event and spot given to a lottery selection $30 cash entry fee is due at check-in. No refunds. Check-in site is just beyond the ticket offices at the main gate. One must provide a working cell number night of the event. The number of contestants is limited to 10 each night
Missed Pre-Registrations? Alternates will be accepted at the mutton bustin table starting at 5:30 p.m. If any preregistered contestants does not check in by 5:30 p.m., does not meet weight or dress requirements or declines to participate an alternate will be allowed to participate if they meet all qualifications.
Contestants must meet all the guidelines above and names or an alternate will be drawn after 6 p.m the night of the event.
