Local rodeo going with "the big boys"

The little local rodeo that almost stopped happening nearly a decade ago is poised to join the ranks of the larger professional rodeo world.

The Ridge Riders Saddle Club’s annual Colorama Rodeo each May will likely join the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association, following a vote of the Ridge Riders board of directors Nov. 6.

President George Kohout announced the coming change at the chamber of commerce luncheon the next day.

“This is by far the biggest chance we’ve ever taken,” Kohout said.

The move was instigated by the group’s stock contractor, who wants to provide services to PRCA rodeos. That was approved, contingent on at least six rodeos agreeing to the move too, Kohout said. All the other rodeos ready to approve will be voting this week, he said.

That vote was not unanimous at the Ridge Riders, Kohout said. Director Janet Oneil, who also serves on the board of Pro West Rodeos, voted no. Pro West has been the sanctioning organization for the Colorama Rodeo.

“It’s a hell of a big deal,” Kohout said. “Nine years ago, I didn’t think we were going to have a rodeo.”

Kohout said he had met with PRCA officials, along with officials from some of the largest regional rodeos, including the Pendleton Roundup and the Ellensburg Rodeo.

The move will cost the Colorama Rodeo in higher fees and stock contracts, but will also attract more cowboys to participate.

“It’s a big deal for the Grand Coulee Dam area,” he said. “We’re with the big boys now.”

Coulee City’s rodeo, which takes place a couple weeks after Colorama, also had to approve the entry of Colorama into its nearby area, Kohout said.