Local rodeo named best in state

The Colorama Rodeo was named “Rodeo of the Year” for the second time in a row at a meeting of the Pro-West Rodeo Association last Saturday night.

The award was announced at the association’s annual awards banquet in the Tri-Cities area.

George Kohout, president of the Ridge Riders, said that he was pleased with the announcement. Kohout is in his second year as president of the group, and was honored by the chamber of commerce as “Achiever of the Year” for his activity on behalf of the Ridge Riders.

“We could never have done this without the support of Electric City, Grand Coulee and Coulee Dam,” Kohout stated Tuesday.

The three municipalities contributed hotel/motel tax revenues to the Ridge Riders to promote the rodeo and other events staged by the group.

“The support of the three towns enabled us to advertise the rodeo and attract both fans and cowboys,” Kohout said.

Electric City gave $5,300; Coulee Dam gave $5,500; and Grand Coulee gave $6,500.

The Ridge Riders also put on a riding clinic, a ranch rodeo and a special bull riding event.