By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
ELLICOTTVILLE — The 37th annual Ellicottville Championship Rodeo Friday night was a tribute to founder H. John Kent, who died last year.
John’s wife Karen and daughter Tammie McCilligh, an accomplished rodeo performer, organized this year’s rodeo around his model developed over three decades.
John’s granddaughter Jayden Doutt, who is also a rodeo performer, opened the rodeo by riding a horse around the arena and leading a second horse with an empty saddle to signify his loss.
The audience applauded John as he “rode out of the arena one last time.” Twin red Farmall tractors John was known for also took a ride around the arena.
It was a red, white and blue show with everyone wearing patriotism on their sleeves. For many, attending the rodeo is a family tradition.
Following the opening, women on horses carrying flags raced around the corral as thousands watched from bleachers and seated on the hillside.
The rodeo is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association and the American Professional Rodeo Association. Horses, steers and calves were supplied by the All-American Rodeo Co.
Rodeo-goers were wearing more cowboy hats and boots than one could imagine. There was food and refreshments available on the grounds.
Many people kept a bottle of water handy as temperatures for the opening were in the mid-80s. People sitting on the hill got shade before those in the bleachers on the other side of the corral.
The rodeo events included: Bareback Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Junior Bull Riding, Cowgirls Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Cowgirls Breakaway Roping and Bull Riding.
A rodeo clown appeared regularly to interact with the announcer who rode a horse and helped move events along throughout the night.
Rodeo events started with the bareback bronc riders. A Lewis Run, Pa. cowboy started the bronc riding with a very good ride.
Many of the events were timed. The longer you stayed on the bucking horse the better, but the quicker you could rope and tie a calf or coax your horse faster around the barrels — the better.
One of the popular events was young children dressed in western wear and riding — and racing — stick horses.
The rodeo has shows today (Saturday) and Sunday. The Saturday show starts at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The rodeo is located at Sommerville Riding Stables, 6319 Sommerville Valley Road, Ellicottville. Gates open two hours before each performance.
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