By Mary Owen
This year, the Santiam Stampede’s rodeo arena will be shorter, with a ring of seating and some seating right on the arena floor.
“Fans seated in these bleachers will have a seat that is up close to all the dirt-flying rodeo action,” said Corky Justis, spokeswoman for the 19th annual event held July 17-18 at the Sublimity Harvest Festival Grounds.
“We are excited for the change, knowing it is going to bring together the contestants, the animal athletes, the clown, the announcer and the fans,” she added. “We feel it’s going to add to the excitement of the show.”
On Friday night once inside the rodeo, kids can have fun for free in the Kid’s Corral, thanks to Sublimity Insurance.
“The little partners can take advantage of all there is, at no charge,” Justis said. “Each year, we change things up in the corral, but the little ones can always count on pony rides and inflatables along with each year’s offerings. This year, we’ll be adding miniature donkey cart rides, new games and prizes, and photo opportunities. Saturday the kids can enjoy the corral at a small cost.”
The 2015 Miss Santiam Canyon Stampede Queen Tiana Smith will make appearances. When she isn’t studying to become a dental hygienist, the 2012 Silverton High School grad loves riding, being outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.
“I especially love boating and spending time out on the lake,” said Smith, who owns Prince, a Pony of America gelding.
“What he lacks in size, he makes up for in personality. I plan to use him during my time as the Santiam Canyon Stampede Queen, so if you see a small spotted horse at rodeos this summer, chances are that is Prince and I, so come say hi!”
Mutton Busting and Junior Barrel races are crowd pleasers and can be viewed both Friday and Saturday nights, Justis said. Registration for these events opens at 8 a.m. July 6 at Clippers Unlimited in Stayton, and close when the events fill.
The rodeo starts at 7 p.m., but gates open at 5:30 both nights with NPRA Rodeo Action, junior barrel racing, mutton busting and donkey races.
Justin Homan, X-Game gold medalist with Metal Mulisha, will be there. After Party in the entertainment tent will have music ny Lexi Tucker & Trevor Tagle.
A Cowboy Breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday at the Sublimity Fire Hall. On the menu are pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice, coffee and milk. Adults are $5, and kids and seniors are $3, with all proceeds going to the Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Santiam Stampede tickets are available at area Wilco stores, Double H Western Wear in Salem, and Riverview Community Bank in Aumsville. Adults are $13 pre-sale or $17 at the door; children 5-12, $9 pre-sale and $13 at the door; children 4 and under, free.
Rodeo sponsors include: Freres Lumber Co., Power Auto Group, Power Motorsports, Siegmund Excavation & Construction, Allied Rock, Frank Lumber Co., Sublimity Insurance, Coors, CW Specialty Lumber Co., North Santiam Paving Co., ProWest Productions, and 99.5 The Wolf.
For information, call 503-769-2799 or visit www.scsrodeo.com.
