We welcome you to beautiful Estes Park and Rooftop Rodeo, the Rodeo with Altitude! As Mayor of the Town of Estes Park, I wanted to take time to express our appreciation of the Rooftop Rodeo and its longtime volunteers for the work they’ve done for many years.
Rooftop Rodeo is a Town of Estes Park signature event, one that has garnered many numerous awards over the years and one that brings this community such great pride. The volunteers are a vital ingredient in the mixture that
makes the rodeo so valuable to our residents and to our many visitors each year.
There is so much more to it, though. This event doesn’t happen without the tremendous support of our sponsors, many of which have supported the rodeo for several years Because of them, our town is able to produce the kind of rodeo that makes Estes Park and the state of Colorado proud. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Western heritage.
Rooftop Rodeo will have hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls who not only bring their talents to town, but they also bring their love affair with 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 at an elite level of rodeo, qualifiers to the annual National Finals Rodeo, and some of them are world champions who are celebrated in rodeo.
Most importantly, Rooftop Rodeo 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.
Our signature event offers two hours of wholesome entertainment and a glimpse of our past intertwined with the present. We hope you enjoy Rooftop Rodeo as much as we do.
It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I welcome you to the annual Rooftop Rodeo in our beautiful town of Estes Park! We are thrilled to have you join in this exhilarating event that showcases the true spirit and charm of our community.
The Rooftop Rodeo is a time-honored tradition that brings together the best competitors from around the world to compete in action-packed rodeo events. It is
sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. And this year, don’t miss the long-awaited return of the Rooftop Rodeo Parade, which will feature horses, hitches, floats and marching bands drifting through downtown Estes Park, led by Miss Rodeo America
But the Rooftop Rodeo is not just about the action. It is also a celebration of the town’s rich Western heritage and the close-knit community that makes Estes Park so special. As you immerse yourself in the festivities, I
encourage you to explore Estes and enjoy some delicious local food, unique boutiques and live music around town that will get your boots tapping.
Whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Rooftop Rodeo offers something for everyone
It is a chance to come together, embrace Western culture and create lasting memories with friends and family.
So put on your cowboy hats and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the annual Rooftop Rodeo!
The sounds of horses’ hooves clacking along the pavement on Elkhorn Avenue have been missing.
They’ll return this summer.
With them will be the return of the Rooftop Rodeo Parade, which begins at 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 6. It will be the first time since 2019 that the rodeo’s parade has been part of one of the major summertime events in Estes Park
“When COVID hit in 2020, it shut down most of what
makes Estes Park so great,” said Rob Hinkle, the community services director for the Town of Estes Park. “Most of our businesses were shuttered or virtually non-existent, and those businesses are the ma-
jor sponsors that make the rodeo happen. In working with the Estes Park Western Heritage, we realized in good conscience that we couldn’t put on a rodeo that year.
“Because we didn’t know
what to expect the next year, we had to wait to see if we could even have a rodeo in 2021. Because of that, we decided against having some of the extra things, like the parade. By the time we got everything lined up for last year’s rodeo, it was too late to pull everything together to have the parade, so the goal was to come back in 2023 ”
The time has come, and the community is excited. The parade has been a major part of the rodeo experience for many in Estes Park, and it will come marching down the avenue in just a few weeks
The parade will begin near Big Horn Restaurant on West Elkhorn Avenue and head east to the intersection at Big Thompson Avenue, North St. Vrain Avenue and East Wonderview Avenue, where the parade will take a right turn
ROOFTOP RODEO COURTESY PHOTO
The Rooftop Rodeo Parade will return this year with a red, white and blue cowboy salute to the military
For the Trail-Gazette
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.
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
Wednesday, July 5
5p.m. Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open
5p.m Behind the Chutes Tour Ticketed event
6:30p.m Preshow Dandies
7p.m PRCA Rodeo First Performance Opening Night
PRESENTED BY: Berthoud
Land Non-Profit of the Night: Estes Valley Crisis Advocates After rodeo Barrel Slack
Thursday, July 6
10a.m Rooftop Rodeo Parade “A Cowboy Salute to Our Armed Forces” PRESENTED BY: American Legion Circle
119
5p.m Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open
5p.m. Behind the Chutes Tour Ticketed event
6:30p.m Preshow Dandies
7p.m. PRCA Rodeo Second Performance Family Night (Children 3 12$5each)
PRESENTED BY: Quality Inn of Estes Park Non-profit of the Night: Special Olympics After rodeo Barrel Slack
Friday, July 7
10a.m Children’s Stick Horse Rodeo Bond Park (free, until noon)
5p.m. Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open
5p.m Behind the Chutes
Tour Ticketed event
5p.m. Mariachi Band
6:30p.m Preshow Blazing Saddles Drill Team
7p.m PRCA Rodeo Third Performance Fiesta at the Rodeo PRESENTED BY: CINCH
Non-Profit of the Night: EVICS Family Resource Center
9p.m. Live Music on the Midway: Los Cheesies (Until 10:30p.m ) After Rodeo Barrel Slack
Saturday, July 8
8a.m. Timed Event Slack
5p.m. Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open
5p.m Behind the Chutes
Tour Ticketed event
6:30p.m. Preshow Blazing Saddles Drill Team
7p.m PRCA Rodeo Fourth Performance Paint Estes
Pink PRESENTED BY Estes Park Health Supporting the Estes Park Health Foundation’s Crowns for the Care
9p.m. Live Music on the Midway: Brian Brooks and the Incorrigibles (Until 10:30p.m ) After Rodeo Barrel Slack
Sunday, July 9
5p.m Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open
5p.m. Behind the Chutes
Tour Ticketed event
6:30p.m Preshow Rocky Mountain Renegades
7p.m PRCA Rodeo Fifth Performance Military Night (Military and their families pay $12per person ID required) Supporting American Legion Circle 119After Rodeo Barrel Slack
Monday, July 10
5p.m. Gates Open Food, vendors, Saloon open 5p.m Behind the Scenes
Tour Ticketed event
6:30p.m. Preshow Rocky Mountain Renegades
7:00p.m PRCA Rodeo Sixth Performance Locals and First Responders Night (Locals receive a 25% discount, First responders and their families pay $12per person ID required) PRESENTED BY: Sky Run Vacation Rentals Non-profit of the Night: Flinch Forward After Rodeo Barrel Slack
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 2023
As with other Pa``int Estes Pink activities, 100% of donations benefit cancer diagnosis and treatment at Estes Park Health.
This year, contestants are raising money to purchase a new Dexa Scanner at EPH A Dexa Scanner is a vital tool for mea-
suring bone density, and women with higher bone density have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Unfortunately, the current Dexa scanner is over 20 years old and is reaching the end of its functional life.
Betsy Bayer; Debbie Stalder; Dr. Jenny McLellan; Ingrid Drouin; Lisa Wahler; Marguerite Sandell; Maureen McCann; Ruth Cooper; Wendy Rigby
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.
Many American families will travel halfway across the country just to vacation in this majestic community.
For rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Estes Park is just a beautiful stop along their winding path to make a living and chase their dreams at Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p m
Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
Some come early or stay a day or so late in order to take in all that the town has to offer. From golf to boating to dining and shopping, touring one of the most famous haunted hotels or parading through the Rocky Mountain National Park, there are so many ways to find joy and enjoy the cool mountain air in this scenic destination.
“Last year we had three or four days where we didn’t have anywhere to be,” said steer wrestler Shane Frey of Duncan, Oklahoma. “I decided I’m going to make a mini-vacation out of it. We’ve done a lot of stuff One year we rented an ATV and went
into the mountains Last year we rented a cabin and stayed for a few days. We’ve also rented boat and went out on the lake.”
The cowboys in his rig were also competing at the rodeo, which features six straight days of action. He’s earned money in Estes Park before, and he knows there’s a good chance he can do so again
“It comes along right after the Fourth (of July),” he said, noting the busy time of the schedule where contestants may compete at multiple rodeos in a day while traveling hundreds of miles in a stretch just to get from one
locale to another “We’re all pretty tired, and to get to Estes Park for a couple of days gives us a chance to unwind
“It’s a beautiful town with a lot to do. It’s a good place to just relax and wind down after the busy Fourth run ”
There are hundreds of other contestants who feel the same way. Not only are they competing for a large purse, they also will do so in an arena that is surrounded by the picturesque Rockies They will do it in a town that’s built for tourists. They will see sights and drive go-karts and do all the other things vacationers do. They’re just a little more adept at being on the road
Cowboys and cowgirls travel tens of thousands of miles, going from one rodeo to the next They crisscross interstates and U.S. highways and peel off on roads only locals know about It’s a gypsy lifestyle, one that’s engrained through passion and built on the race for rodeo gold, the elusive world championships awarded each year. Hundreds will make their way to Rooftop Rodeo in doing so.
“I love Estes Park,” said saddle bronc rider Cort
Scheer, a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Elsmere, Nebraska. “It is one of the prettiest places in the world. The committee bends over backwards for you, too. It’s great.”
The rodeo is a town event, but dozens of volunteers step up to help handle many of the duties that take place during rodeo week. Like the contestants, the Rooftop Rodeo volunteer team has a passion for the sport and for Rooftop Rodeo. They are host to thousands of fans who come to the rodeo each night
“This is one of my favorite rodeos to enter,” said bareback rider Lane McGehee of Victoria, Texas “The rodeo adds more money every year, and the hospitality is always great The atmosphere is great. This is one of my favorite rodeos in all the pro circuit.”
That’s saying a lot A typical year sees more than 700 ProRodeos across North America, all varying in size. The smallest are rodeos that feature lesser purses, then there are medium size rodeos like Estes Park Winners will pocket, on average, around $5,000. The winners in Houston each cleared more than $50,000
Each event has its own flavor. Pendleton, Oregon, is known for its football field that is encircled by a horse track, and Rooftop Rodeo is smack dab in the middle of mountain beauty with a photogenic lake across the way.
“That rodeo is a good setup,” Frey said “The arena’s good, and there are usually good cattle. That committee is good, and they set it up to make it good for the guys to get in and get out.
“I really like that rodeo, partly because of where it’s at and partly because that committee does a really good job.”
PHILLIP KITTS COURTESY PHOTO
The Rooftop Royalty is a youth development program for boys and girls ages to 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
FROM PAGE 5
on North St. Vrain. It will remain in that direction until making another right turn on Fourth Street, ending at Estes Park Fairgrounds
As crowds of people pack the parade route, they will see a spectacle that is special to the folks in Estes Park and the surrounding communities. Whether it’s the Cervi Rodeo team leading a herd of bucking horses down the road or hearing the bells ring on antique firetrucks, there is something for people of all ages along the way.
“The return of the parade is an important part of bring-
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 royalty@rooftoprodeo.com.
The Rooftop Rodeo Queen and Attendant love to give back and help the community by traveling to other Rodeos, Fairs and Parades promoting 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
ing the full Rooftop Rodeo experience to Estes Park,” said Cindy Schonholtz, Rooftop Rodeo’s coordinator. “We’re excited to promote Rooftop Rodeo with a parade that we know will bring smiles to many faces.”
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p m Wednesday, July 5 to Monday, 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.
Over the years, there have been certain constants that are associated with Rooftop Rodeo.
One primary fact is the community is the biggest supporter of Estes Park’s annual showcase, and it shows through the excitement that boils across town during rodeo week and in the abundance of local sponsors that provide financial backing for the rodeo
Because of that, it’s become imperative for Rooftop Rodeo and the Town of Estes Park to give back to the community, and they do that through their support of non-profits.
“Rooftop Rodeo, like so many other rodeos across the country, has multiple goals preserving our Western heritage and supporting our community,” said Cindy Schonholtz, the coordinator of Rooftop Rodeo
“We support the community in a number of ways, including partnering with many local non-profits. Rodeo fans are generous and help us by donating to the many non-profits we partner with each year. It is just the right thing to do and is ingrained in our culture to help others.”
Each non-profit has its own needs, and the finances raised at Rooftop Rodeo help fill them This year the rodeo will support the Family Resource Center, Special Olympics for Colorado, Crisis Advocates, Estes Park Health
Foundation, American Legion Circle 119, the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and local scholarships provided through the Estes Park Western Heritage Foundation.
“Our foundation has four responsibilities: scholarship, support of the Ace High Roughstock Academy, support of historical research and to represent Rooftop Rodeo at a national level,” said Mark Purdy, the foundation’s chairman. “We always give away two $2,500 scholarships each year; our hope is to double that next year.”
The funds for that come through sales in the Saloon, which is on the fairgrounds and open each night of the rodeo.
The money for Estes Park Health Foundation will be raised through Crowns for the Cure and the Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo pageant and will be bolstered by the Paint Estes Park Pink Night during the Saturday, July 8, performance of the rodeo. Contestants for Mrs. Rooftop Rodeo are raising money for a new DEXA scanner for the hospital, and there will be a booth and other opportunities to give
“Rooftop Rodeo is a signature event for the Town of Estes Park,” Schonholtz said “The economic impact it brings to the community by filling hotels and restaurants is vital to sustaining our tourist-based economy. Estes Park’s heritage is so important. It is easy to lose our great Western heritage, and Rooftop Rodeo is a good reminder each year of the importance of our traditions.”
The American Legion Circle 119 will be on hand with a booth to raise money and awareness on Military Night, Sunday, July 9. Tips earned at the Saloon will go to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which administers financial
assistance to rodeo cowboys that have a financial need primarily because of injury When cowboys are injured, they are not able to compete for the prize money, and the fund helps them make ends meet until they are able to return to action.
“Rooftop Rodeo believes it is important to not only show our contestants hospitality while they are in Estes Park, but it is also important to support those who are injured while competing in rodeo events,” Schonholtz said. “The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund has been a game-changer for rodeo athletes Before it was created by Justin Boots, cowboys would often enter very hard times when they were injured and not be able to return to the sport or, worse, they would re-
turn too soon and risk a more severe injury.
“We are thrilled to play a small part in this initiative that has helped so many in our rodeo family through the years ”
Each non-profit will have a booth on the midway, and the rodeo will be raising money for them during the performance on their respective nights
Wednesday: Estes Valley Crisis Advocates Thursday: Special Olympic Friday: EVICS Family Resource Center Saturday, pink night: Estes Park Hospital Foundation Sunday: American Legion Post 119 Monday: Flinch
Quick Go Sinclair Gas Station is open 5:30 a.m to 2 a.m. this summer
By Daniel Sewell sewelld@eptrail com
If someone were to ask, where is the place that is open latest for food would you know it’s just a short jog up Hwy 7 at the Quick Go Sinclair gas station? The convenience store is open till midnight even in the off-season but starting in summer the store will be open till 2 a m everyday.
Quick Go is Estes Park’s latest operating food store and very soon they will be the latest to open a new place for libations as well. In the adjacent building to the East of the gas station is a large, open concept space that was once a membership video store, a music hall and bar and even a bowling alley for a time. Now the space has been transformed into something never-before-seen in Estes Park, it’s a place called Karma Vibes.
Karma Vibes is a place where families and friends can commune and vibe! It’s a space where locals and visitors can get food and drinks There’s a stage for entertain-
ers and numerous TVs for kids’ movies or a broadcast from a wide selection of live shows. The environment is clean and there are no dishes, just eco-friendly, recyclable serving utensils for saving water and valuable time.
In addition to no dishes there will be no servers, as the cafeteria style atmosphere allows for everything to be ordered via a qr code from your table at your convenience. The bar service includes beer, liquor and wine as well as a great selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
For food, the goal is quick and healthy options at an affordable price, as the space is intended for budget-conscious families and working locals to have an enjoyable place to go Entertainers and artists are welcome to perform, stop in to discuss availability.
As the summer season approaches the final finishing touches to Karma Vibes are being applied The owner, Sona Manhani, has a tentative open date in June. In the meantime, the convenience store will begin pushing their operating schedule into the early hours of the day, however alcohol sales are required to end at midnight in the convenience store.
The latest place in Estes Park will soon be offering much more! Stay tuned.
DANIEL SEWELL ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE
Quick Go Sinclair gas station on Hwy 7at 1110Woodstock Drive is open everyday.
Summer is in full swing here at the foot of the Rockies, and as brighter days bless the Estes Valley, tourists are traveling from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the beauty for themselves.
Whether you’re taking a family vacation to enjoy the action-packed outdoor world that the region has to offer or navigating a solo getaway, you’ll need a place to rest your head and what better spot than the Historic Stanley Hotel?
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Estes Park and the wondrous Rockies, The Stanley is ripe with the type of one-of-a-kind amenities and entertainment that led to it being named the ninth most beloved building in America by UK-based building materials company buildworld. The following is a list of just a few of the prime offerings that make it the perfect summer getaway for guests of all ages.
Located in the elegant, historic music room inside of The Stanley’s main lodge, visitors of the 217 Wine Bar can sip from some of the finest wine selections in Estes Park while enjoying a frontrow view of the Rocky Mountain backdrop During these warm months, the wine bar also offers outdoor seating for parties to soak-up the summer weather
When attending the new spot, guests will have more than 50 wines to choose from while snacking on assorted charcuterie offerings prepared by the house Michelin Star chef in one of the many conversational areas that al-
Frank Turner is the definition of a rockstar With nine studio albums and his recent charttopper, ‘FTHC’, under his belt, he’s been dominating the UK music scene for over 17 incredible years
low for a quaint, communal atmosphere.
217’s maître d’ regales his listeners with stories about the venerable old hotel and wine-parodied show tunes. A magnificent Steinway and Sons concert grand piano beneath a gold-leafed dome stands at the ready to fill the entire room with music.
Any guests craving more of a stiff beverage will have to travel just across the main lobby to the Whiskey Bar and Lounge at the Cascades Restaurant. With more than 1,200 selection to choose from, the bar boasts the largest variety of whiskeys and single malt scotches in Colorado inclusions that earned it a spot on Men’s Journal’s top ten list of “Best hotel whiskey collections to sample around the world,” in Decem-
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 applications 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 preregistered 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
Each night of the rodeo, 10lucky
mutton bustin
Your chances of being chosen for the lottery are the same whether you fill out the online application or the in-person application.
Entry Fee: Pre-registration $30 due at time of acceptance. Please note that all family members, including the contestant, need a ticket to the rodeo itself in order to participate and watch. Entry Fee: Lottery-registration $30 cash only, night of, if your name is drawn (No fee collected if
your child is not one of the 10 contestants) Sign Up: In person (5-6 p m each night of the rodeo, July 5-10), or online using this form. 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 970-586-6104 or events@estes.org.
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 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.
Must provide a working cell number night of the event.
The number of contestants is limited to 10 each night Missed Pre-Registrations? You can still sign up for a chance at the lottery the night of the event
Free Registration at the mutton bustin Table from 5:00 PM to 6 PM
Your child must meet all the guidelines above and names will be drawn after 6 PM the night of the event
try/Waiver Form (available below or at the event)
By Rooftop Rodeo For the Trail-GazetteThis highly exciting event for kids is as much fun to watch, as it is to participate
The object is to remove the $5 from the sheep’s back.
Contestants must be 8 to 12 years old
Parents must sign the En-
Contestants check-in at the Mutton Bustin’ booth inside the main gate
The number of contestants is limited to 100 each evening.
Contestants plus family members must purchase tickets to the rodeo.
Fill out the cash catch registration at https://dms estes org/Forms/2023cashcatch.
ROOFTOP RODEO COURTESY PHOTOcowboys and cowgirls will have a chance to compete in the exciting sport of
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 cool beverage, meet old and new friends, and settle in for a great Rooftop Rodeo evening!
Get behind the shutes tour tickets at https://ci ovationtix.com/35551/production/1119277.
ROOFTOP RODEO 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.
the fascinating shops and the people that make the community so special
By Ted Harbin Media Coordinator Rooftop RodeoJust hearing the name of the town conjures up incredible memories for millions of people who have found their way to this destination community over the years.
Of course, the valley is encapsulated by the majesty that is this part of Colorado, and it serves as the pathway in and out of Rocky Mountain National Park The beauty that surrounds Estes Park is a major attraction, but so are
What’s even greater are the extra things that help bring hoards of people to town every year, like Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. It’s a chance to see a little bit of Americana while also enjoying something that is uniquely Colorado.
Most importantly, it’s a chance for all to understand the Western legacy that has made Estes Park what it is today This is more than guided horseback rides through mountainous trails. This is a chance to witness a lifestyle that once was a staple of this territory not that long ago.
“We’re very proud to play a
part in showing off our Western heritage through the sport of rodeo,” said Cindy Schonholtz, Rooftop Rodeo’s coordinator. “We offer people a great chance to see the beauty of the Western lifestyle ”
They’ll also be doing so while experiencing an award-winning rodeo that’s been around for many years. Because of the magnitude of Rooftop Rodeo, many of the top athletes from around the world will make their way to this Rocky Mountain town in early July Part of that is the vibrant purse that’s up for grabs for cowboys and cowgirls in the competition, yet another aspect is a chance to enjoy all the experiences Estes Park has to offer.
“If you’re on vacation and looking for a home away from home, then Estes Park is an excellent place to be in July,” announcer Andy Seiler said According to the Town of Estes Park, the rodeo hosts somewhere around 10,000 people each year They may get some concessions or en-
joy one of the six to eight vendors that comes out to the rodeo each year, then they find their seats inside the grandstands as they prepare to enjoy the show.
Over the course of the six-day rodeo, fans will see roughly 85 bucking horses, 55 bulls, 80 steers and 50 calves. This year’s field is loaded with nearly 600 entries of cowboys and cowgirls who plan to ride for the money and glory when they arrive in Estes Park More than 90 bull riders, 90 bronc riders and 160 barrel racers have thrown their hats into the ring.
Fans will witness world champions and rising stars all mixed into evenings of high-flying, major- intensity competition, as each combatant rides, ropes or wrestles his or her way to the big purse up for grabs.
“Our goal is to always put on a great show for the fans,” Schonholtz said. “If we put on a great competition for the cowboys and the cowgirls, then the fans will get a great show.”
ROOFTOP RODEO COURTESY PHOTOthe Year, an honor for which he’s been nominated 12 times.
“I’ve been doing this longer than a lot of those other guys have been alive,” he said. “To still be able to be mentioned with them and to still be relevant means a lot to me.
“It’s just exciting to still be in demand.”
By Ted Harbin Media Coordinator Rooftop Rodeo
For most of his life, Dale “Gizmo” McCracken has been a comedian
He spent some time on stage in Branson, Missouri, then transitioned that into a career as a rodeo clown. It’s carried him to locales all across North America, but it’s never brought him to Estes Park.
That changes this year when he will serve his role at Rooftop Rodeo set for 7 p m Wednesday, July 5-Monday, July 10, at Granny May Arena in Estes Park inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds.
“I’m going to be the rookie in town,” said McCracken, ever the comedian “It’s pretty neat. It’s nice to get to go to places I’ve heard a lot about and heard about how pretty it is there. I think it’s something we’re going to really enjoy.”
He knows a few things about that His business is putting smiles on people’s faces. He wears grease paint and, true to his nickname, he has plenty of gadgets that play into his schtick; he presents his comedy for folks of all ages
Even before he is set to arrive in Estes Park, McCracken understands that the Rooftop Rodeo crowd will be a bit different from the typical run of rodeos he’s been involved with, where fans know a little more about the sport they are enjoying.
“The nice thing about that is you have people there that are from all over the coun-
try,” he said. “You’ll have people that have never seen a rodeo; they’ve heard about it, so for me, it’s important for us to make a good impression on a lot of those newcomers It reminds me of our Branson days, where people would come from all over to be entertained.”
Rodeo is the perfect mix of Western sports and family-friendly entertainment While watching cowboys ride bucking horses and bulls is fun, there’s something special about a clown that wants to see people happy. He did that on stage, and now he does it on dirt
McCracken grew up around livestock. He helped his father break ponies to ride, and then, while in his teens, he took up bullfighting, working at ro-
deos to help keep cowboys safe during bull riding He always utilized his comedic chops, so it was an easy transition to being a rodeo clown.
“The challenge is the biggest difference between the rodeo arena and a stage show,” McCracken said. “When you walk out on a stage, everybody in the theater looks at you. When you walk into an arena, you have other things they can look at, so I have to do some different things to be seen by the audience. I have more freedom to do comedy material, too. Branson is way more scripted.”
That’s not how McCracken works a rodeo crowd, and he plans to keep doing this for a few more years. He’s not far removed from being named the 2017 PRCA Comedy Act of
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 Monday, 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.
Gizmo McCracken to be featured entertainer at this year ’ s Rooftop RodeoGIZMO MCCRACKEN COURTESY PHOTO Rodeo clown Gizmo McCracken to be featured entertainer at this year’s Rooftop Rodeo.
“You’ll have people that have never seen a rodeo; they’ve heard about it, so for me, it’s important for us to make a good impression on a lot of those newcomers.”
Gizmo McCracken
May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. She also serves as the general manager of the Redding (California) Rodeo.
By Ted Harbin Media Coordinator Rooftop RodeoThere is a bit of a cowgirl in everything Cindy Schonholtz does, and it’s guided her back to the Rocky Mountains
It’s perfectly fitting as she begins her role as the Rooftop Rodeo coordinator, working with the town of Estes Park to help produce one of the greatest annual spectacles in this community. Over the years, Rooftop Rodeo has been
an award-winning event tucked at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
“Estes Park is a very special place, and I want everybody to know the history and the Western tradition of Estes Park,” Schonholtz
said “I don’t want that to ever get lost. I think we see that in a lot of mountain towns, where they’re losing their Western heritage Estes Park has done a great job of keeping it, and I hope to help with that and promote that to the community and visitors alike.”
She knows a thing or two about the Colorado tourist town and knows a lot about rodeo. She served on a volunteer rodeo committee in southern California and was also the director of the Miss Rodeo California pageant until she took a position with the Colorado Springs-based PRCA as the coordinator for animal welfare and membership development in 1998.
While at the PRCA, she created the industry outreach department and served as its director and was also the CEO and president of the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which provides financial assistance to cowboys that are unable to compete because of injury or any substantial life occurance. She remained in those roles until 2017, when she took over as the general manager of the St. Paul (Oregon) Rodeo.
Over the past few years, she developed a consultant business to assist with rodeo management, which is how she landed at Rooftop Rodeo. Her first year at the helm is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, July 10, at Granny
“I always expect to have an amazing event,” Schonholtz said. “So much of that has to do with bringing the community, the volunteers, the contestants and the contract personnel into one cohesive unit and celebrate our Western heritage.
“A lot of it is giving back to the community through different charities. I think that’s where the sport of rodeo has so much popularity in today’s time It’s because of our patriotism and because of our history. Rodeo is back to the basics, supporting the community and the Western legacy.”
That’s the overall point of view As the point person for an event that features the mixture of family-friendly entertainment and world-class competition, Schonholtz focuses on a simple detail.
“I want every person who comes here to leave with a smile on their face,” she said. “That attention to detail makes all the difference in the world.”
Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, 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.
Schonholtz takes the control as coordinator of Rooftop Rodeo
By Daniel Sewell sewelld@eptrail.com
The Village Goldsmith on Elkhorn Avenue was established in 1976. It’s a treasure to have such a fine studio in the Estes village where pure inspiration turns precious metals into priceless works of art.
Local Goldsmith Ron Monroe co-owns the shop with Karen Jirsa. With the help of Jirsa and employees Morgan Morris, Maribeth Ashburn and Megan Salaz, Monroe has made many nature-inspired works like the distinctive Longs Peak pendants and rings and aspen leaf bracelets He has also created some of the most abstract works of art using different gems and diamonds one might see.
The abstract pieces have a look that is so smooth compared to the texture in the nature-inspired pieces It’s a testament to length the folks over at the Village Goldsmith go to in order to bring you a one-of-a-kind gem
The creation process starts with a sketch, a photo, or
whatever inspires art, Monroe said At this point, one needs to consider what kind of metal to use, which stones to include and what size they will be This is something coowner and designer Karen Jirsa helps with when one is considering a custom piece of jewelry.
The next step in this process is creating a wax form of the piece with the selected stones. This becomes the mold for the final piece. The
wax mold is plastered, and then that negative mold creates the final piece using a centrifugal casting process, which spins the molten metal into the mold
Polishing and adding the stones are all that remains
to be done at that point The process can take four to eight weeks, so if you’re thinking about getting something made for Christmas, you better get started!
Jirsa and Monroe, along with their mighty team, have designed and created thousands of amazing pieces of jewelry.
“We are proud to continue the tradition of creating handcrafted jewelry,” Jirsa said “Forty-four years in our Estes Park studio makes for a lot of special memories, amazing customer friendships, and treasured pieces of jewelry.”
The Village Goldsmith’s house pieces have a distinct style, a timeless elegance with a unique flair. But if you want to add even more sentiment to your jewelry, call or swing by to set up a custom-piece consultation.
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cember 2022. Whether sipping on the house favorite 291 smoked old fashioned or the signature redrum punch, this spot provides all the beverages needed to match that summer warmth.
For delicious food to go along with your beverage, the Cascades Restaurant offers innovative dishes with local flair that guests can enjoy on an outdoor covered patio that allows views of the cascades waterfall.
Looking for something more exclusive in your whiskey tasting? Look no further than The Vault. Located on
the lower level of the main lodge, The Vault will be any whiskey connoisseur’s dream come true with a room full of single barrels and special bottles a majority of which are one of less than 200 in existence. The Vault offers private, curated tastings, exploring interesting whiskey history, classifications and tips on the best way to enjoy the drink.
When it comes to spooky allure, The Stanley’s reputation precedes it. Made infamous for being the inspiration behind Stephen King’s thrilling novel and film adaptation, The Shining, the past spirits that roam the hotel halls are rumored to be as active as the live ones.
Post Chicken and Beer
With the motto “hot chicken loves cold beer,” guests at The
DANIEL SEWELL ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE The Village Goldsmith Lost Wax ProcessShoppers can find modern-day styles of old-western attire and accessories at the Craftsmen in Leather shop in downtown Estes Park, at 135 West Elkhorn Avenue. Hats of many styles, men’s and women’s clothing, handmade belts,
bags, wallets, purses, scarves and more are available.
Craftsmen in Leather was established in the same location it is now, in 1974, as a leather workshop In the late 80s Greg and Julia Burke bought the business and maintained it as a leather jacket wholesale store In 2003 Al Renner and Patti
Green bought the business and under their direction over the past two decades the store became what it is today, a high-quality boutique for western-wear and southwest-style accessories.
Popular items include Scully Leather jackets in a variety of styles and colors, including the softest of all leathers, the lambskin jackets. Montana West Bags with traditional native patterns are new to the collection. Henschel hats, known for their breathable mesh material, are offered in multiple sizes. Cowboy hats are available in the forever favorite Stetson brand classic style, as well as flat brim hats, or with bowed rims known as the Outback style
More hats are available too, including crushable and packable options, fedoras, derby hats, and newsy hats, aka Boston Scally style. If
those don’t fit the bill, Native American Headdresses are available by special order or visit the store to see the intricate details on these traditional feather headdresses Craftsmen in Leather offers the best of both worlds, with Western Cowboy and Native American styles A select piece of Navajo or Zuni jewelry pieces can accent a cowboy hat and leather jacket, and bolo ties and colorful scarf rings are also available.
Specialty knives are also featured at Crafstmen in Leather. Many are made with Damascus blades and include snakeskin sheaths, some even have handles made of pinecone. Having a fine knife to go along with one of their beautiful Osgood Marley wallets may not be a bad thing.
The tradition of Craftsmen in Leather continues in downtown Estes Park The store is open year-round.
PHOTOS BY DANIEL SEWELL ESTES PARK TRAIL-GAZETTE
Find modern-day styles of old-western attire and accessories at the Craftsmen in Leather shop in downtown Estes Park, at 135W Elkhorn Ave
