Colorama takes third rodeo-of-year award

The Ridge Riders have received another banner for being named Pro-West "Rodeo of the Year" for their Colorama Rodeo last May.

"We couldn't do this without everyone in our organization doing their part," Ridge Riders President George Kohout said.

Kohout has been president for the past four years, with the Ridge Riders winning the top rodeo-of-the-year award three of those years. The Professional Western Rodeo Association sanctions about 60 rodeos throughout the West.

The Ridge Riders will be putting on its 60th rodeo at Colorama time in 2016. Kohout said the Ridge Riders hope to develop special belt buckle awards for the cowboys who compete next year.

Ridge Rider activities continue to grow, with riding clinics, special bull riding events and ranch rodeos. A junior rodeo was also held this year.

Kohout said that attendance has shot up these past years and the Ridge Riders have been able to expand their functions because of the strong support from Electric City, Grand Coulee and Coulee Dam, through their lodging tax dollars. "That support has made it possible for us to advertise our events in a wider area," Kohout stated.