ProRodeo Sports News - June 7, 2024

PRORODEO LOCATIONS

later the group filed an application to get the event sanctioned. The rodeo received approval in December 2023 and less than six months later the event commenced from May 24-26 with $67,276 of added money and a slew of big-name contestants. “It’s really important to the community,” Mendel said. “There’s a lot of ag and ranching over on this part of the state. And I think it meant a lot to have it back in the spotlight with all of these huge contestants coming to the area and recognizing how great this area is.” The rodeo featured performances by 2023 PRCA World Bareback Champion Keenan Hayes and 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Bull Riding Average Champion Josh Frost. Frost lives about 160 miles from Grand Junction in nearby Randlett, Utah, and appreciated the opportunity to support the Colorado Stampede’s return. “I don’t know when the last time they were in the PRCA was, but I don’t think it’s been as long as I’ve been riding,” Frost said. “So, it was pretty cool to get to go there because it’s only about three hours from the house…It’s always cool when we get new rodeos back in the PRCA, and I try to support them when I can.” Frost won the bull riding with an 89-point ride on Kirsten Vold Rodeo Company’s Eyes Wide Open on the final ride of the rodeo. “He was the last ride of the whole rodeo and won it, and it was amazing to watch,” Mendel said. “It was awesome. It was really exhilarating, and the crowd loved it. We had a junior rodeo and the 4-H jackpot going on at the same time, and they loved getting to watch their idols compete.” The timing of the Colorado Stampede lined up perfectly for Frost who bookended the trip to Grand Junction by competing in the Northern Most Xtreme Bull Riding on May 25 in Palmer, Alaska, and the Take the Oath Memorial Xtreme Bulls on May 27 in Manti, Utah. “It’s always nice to start the summer off well,” Frost said. “And it kind of starts building momentum for the summer run…We had three events that weekend and Grand Junction sat right in there. So, it was good to go there on Sunday and get to Manti on Monday. It’s good to start getting the money rolling in.” Mendel credited sponsors, the committee, volunteers and community members for jumping on board to make the weekend successful and said they’re already gearing up for Year 2. “The community really rallied behind the rodeo, and it was really nice,” Mendel said. “We’re definitely coming back Memorial Day weekend next year. I think it’s a really nice start to the summer season because the summer is crazy.”

Photo courtesy Colorado Stampede Volunteers and staff members prepare for the Colorado Stampede over Memorial Day weekend at Grandstands Arena in Grand Junction, Colo.

Colorado Stampede returns to PRORODEO after 30-year absence Fold in the Back

Brody Wells holds on for an 87-point ride on Kirsten Vold Rodeo Company’s Ricky Mistress during the Colorado Stampede to tie for first in saddle bronc on Memorial Day weekend

BY ALEX DODD L aura Mendel returned to Grand Junction, Colo., this past fall without any rodeo plans on the horizon. Mendel spent the last five years managing the Mountain States Circuit Finals in Loveland, Colo., before moving back to her hometown. When she arrived in Grand Junction, Mendel quickly saw a desire from cowboys, cowgirls and folks in the Western Slope to revive a sleeping giant, the Colorado Stampede. “I was talking to a bunch of contestants there and everyone was saying, ‘You should bring PRORODEO back to Junction. You’re the best person do it. There is tons of opportunity out there and it’s something that community could really use,’” Mendel, Colorado Stampede CEO and board president, recalled. “I thought about it and investigated everything for about two weeks and then decided to put it on, and here we are.” The Colorado Stampede started in 1957 and joined the RCA in 1968. But hard times led the event to shut down after its last pro run in 1994. Mendel threw a post up on social media on Nov. 1, 2023, to gauge the interest of community members. The reaction led to the formation of a committee and two weeks

in Grand Junction, Colo.

Tanya Hamner photo

ProRodeo Sports News 6/7/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 6/7/2024

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ProRodeo.com

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