SWEETWATER COUNTY – While most of Rock Springs was preparing for another round of storms on Wednesday, the crews at the Sweetwater County Events Complex continued to prepare for thousands of cowboys and cowgirls to roll in.
Contestants for the National High School Finals Rodeo will begin the check-in process on Thursday starting at noon in the grandstand parking lot. While the Queen Contests start on Friday, the first rodeo performance is Sunday at 7 p.m.
As most of Rock Springs spent Wednesday preparing for another round of rains, the crews at the complex continued to prepare for Thursday. On Wednesday, Marketing and Events Manager at the Complex Kandi Pendleton reported to SweetwaterNOW impacts from the rain were minor at the Complex. She explained only a few campsites were affected and other than that it has been all hands on deck as they continue to prepare for Thursday’s check-in.
This is the final year of the current contract with the National High School Finals Rodeo. The complex has bid to host the rodeo again starting in 2018. Since there were so many communities around the Nation who submitted bids this time around, the decision by the NHSFR Board was delayed until the board meets on the final day of this year’s rodeo in Rock Springs.
For more information on the rodeo and if you are looking for volunteer opportunities go to the Sweetwater Events Complex website at http://www.sweetwaterevents.com/. Residents are also urged to watch the Complex’s Facebook page for more information and updates.
2015 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday,July 9, 2015
12 Noon – Check-in opens. Contestants can begin checking in. Must be checked in by 7 a.m. Sunday, July 12
Friday, July 10, 2015
8 a.m. – Queen Contest Written Test & Orientation – Western Wyoming Community College
9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Queen Contest Social with Judges – Western Wyoming Community College Atrium
11:30 a.m. – Queen Contest Judge’s Meeting and Lunch – Western Wyoming Community College – (No Contestants)
1:30 p.m. – Queen Contest Horsemanship – Indoor Arena – Cutting Arena
6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. – First Session of Queen Contest Personal Interviews – Western Wyoming Community College
Saturday, July 11, 2015
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Second Session Queen Contest Personal Interviews – Western Wyoming Community College
9 a.m. – Reined Cow Horse Workshop – Yellowstone Arena
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Basket Silent Auction Entries accepted in Tradeshow Pavilions
3 p.m. – Bareback Riding Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 1st Session – Rabbit Barn
3:45 p.m. – Saddle Bronc Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 1st Session – Rabbit Barn
4:30 p.m. – Bull Riding Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 1st Session – Rabbit Barn (Rough Stock Contestants need attend only one of the sessions but attendance is MANDATORY)
5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – PRCA Rough Stock Mini Clinic – East Pavilion
7 p.m. – Queen Contest Modeling & Two-Minute Speeches – Western Wyoming Community College (Roll Call 6:45 p.m.)
Sunday, July 12, 2015 – “Boot Barn Day”
7 a.m. – Check in Closes – All Contestants MUST be checked in by this time!
8 a.m. – Church Service by Fellowship of Christian Cowboys – Grandstand Arenas
9 a.m. – Student Delegate Meeting for Student Officers, Delegates and Candidates – Exhibit Hall
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Basket Silent Auction Entries accepted in Tradeshow Pavilions
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
11 a.m. – MANDATORY Contestant’s Meeting, Immediately Followed by State/Province Team Pictures & State/Province All-Around Group Photo & Shooting Contestant Group Photo – Grandstand Arenas
1:30 p.m. – Bareback Riding Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 2nd Session – Rabbit Barn
2:00 p.m. – Cutting Clinic & Live Work – Cutting Arena
2:15 p.m. – Saddle Bronc Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 2nd Session – Rabbit Barn
3 p.m. – Bull Riding Safety Seminar & Equipment Check 2nd Session – Rabbit Barn (Rough Stock Contestants need attend only one of the sessions but attendance is MANDATORY)
3 p.m. – Queen Contest Introductions/Impromptu Questions – Western Wyoming Community College
5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – PRCA Rough Stock Mini Clinic – East Pavilion
6 p.m. – All Contestant Horses must be checked in by Horse Check-in
6 p.m. – Scholarship Application Deadline – Foundation Office – Exhibit Hall
7 p.m. – 1st Rodeo Performance sponsored by Sweetwater County Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Breezeway
Monday, July 13, 2015 – “Ariat Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
9 a.m. – 2nd Rodeo Performance sponsored by McDonalds Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – NRA Light Rifle Practice, Green River Shooting Range
10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – NRA Trap Shooting Practice – Rock Springs Trap Club
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – College Fair – Exhibit Hall
1 p.m. – Cinch Field Day – Paul J. Wataha Recreation Area
1 p.m. – Ariat Endorsee Clinic – Rough Stock Arena
1:30 p.m. – State/Province Secretary & Director Informational Seminar – Cutting Indoor Arena
2 p.m. – Queen Autograph Signing – White Mountain Mall
2 p.m. – Heel-O-Matic Roping Clinic – Timed Event Arena
5:30 p.m. – Cinch Team & Captain Photos – Rough Stock Arena
7 p.m. – 3rd Rodeo Performance sponsored by Coyote Creek Steakhouse – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Breezeway
Tuesday, July 14, 2015 – “Classic Rope & Rattler Rope Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
9 a.m. – 4th Rodeo Performance sponsored by White Mountain Mall – GrandstandArenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – NRA Light Rifle Competition, Green River Shooting Range
10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – NRA Trap Shooting Practice – Rock Springs Trap Club
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
12 Noon – Foundation Scramble for Scholarships Golf Tournament – White Mountain Golf Course
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – NHSFR Volleyball Tournament – Paul J. Wataha Recreation Area
2 p.m. – Heel-O-Matic Roping Clinic – Timed Event Arena
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – PRCA Knowledge Bowl – Exhibit Hall (Awards Immediately Following)
6:30 p.m. – State/Province Secretary of the Year Awards – In Front of Grandstand Arenas
7 p.m. – 5th Rodeo Performance sponsored by BP – “Memorial Tribute” – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Breezeway
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – “Hutchison HW Brand Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
9 a.m. – 6th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Taco Time – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena (End of 1st Go-Round – Awards immediately following Performance – In Front of Performance Arena Grandstands)
10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – NRA Trap Shooting Practice – Rock Springs Trap Club
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – NRA Light Rifle Family Day, Green River Shooting Range
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – NHSFR Volleyball Tournament – Paul J. Wataha Recreation Area (Awards Immediately Following)
1 p.m. – Foundation Scholarship Interviews for Senior NHSFR Qualifiers – Exhibit Hall
1 p.m. – Ariat Endorsee Clinic – Timed Event Arena
2 p.m. – Heel-O-Matic Roping Clinic – Timed Event Arena
3:30 p.m. – Special Kids Rodeo – Indoor Arena
4:30 p.m. – Refreshments for Special Kids Rodeo Contestants – East Pavilion
6:15 p.m. – Big Juan Burrito Eating – Contest sponsored by Taco Time – Main Arena Grandstands
7 p.m. – 7th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Loaf ‘N Jug & Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena Contestants, Spectators, Fans and Personnel are asked to wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Western Swing Two-Step Theme – Breezeway
Thursday, July 16, 2015 – “Cinch Jeans & Shirts Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
9 a.m. – 8th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Simplot – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – NRA Trap Shooting Competition – Rock Springs Trap Club
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
1 p.m. – NHSR Foundation Scholarship Auction – Exhibit Hall (Platinum Trailer Sells at 3 p.m. Benefits NHSRA)
2 p.m. – Heel-O-Matic Roping Clinic – Timed Event Arena
3 p.m. – NHSRA Platinum Trailer sells at Live Auction during Foundation Scholarship Auction – Exhibit Hall
5 p.m. – Silent Auction of State/Province Baskets Closes – Tradeshow Pavilions (Pay and Pick up Baskets 5-7 p.m.)
6:10 p.m. – Girl’s Heel-O-Matic Challenge Finals – Timed Event Arena (Awards Immediately Following)
6:50 p.m. – Retiring Address of NHSRA Student Secretary Lorrie Ann Smith – Grandstand Arenas
7 p.m. – 9th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Pepsi Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena
10:30 p.m. – NHSRA Talent Contest & NHSFR “King” Contest – Exhibit Hall (Awards Immediately Following)
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Breezeway
Friday, July 17, 2015 – “Gist Silversmiths Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
9 a.m. – 10th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation – Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena Contestants, Spectators, Fans and Personnel are asked to wear Red to Honor our Troops
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – NRA Trap Shooting Family Day – Rock Springs Trap Club
12:00 Noon – Queen Contest Crowning Ceremony Practice – Grandstand Arenas Grandstands
1:00 p.m. – Queen Lunch & Congeniality Voting – Grandstand Arenas Grandstands (Roll Call 1:00 p.m.)
2 p.m. – Student Delegate Meeting for Student Officers, Delegates and Candidates – Exhibit Hall
2 p.m. – Heel-O-Matic Roping Clinic – Timed Event Arena
4 p.m. – NHSR Foundation Scholarship Awards Presentation – Exhibit Hall Including the Professional’s Choice Athlete & Equine Athlete National Scholarship Winners
6:10 p.m. – Open Heel-O-Matic Challenge Finals – Timed Event Arena (Awards Immediately Following)
6:40 p.m. – NRA Shooting Competition Awards (All Shooting Events) – In Front of Grandstand Arenas
6:50 p.m. – Retiring Address of NHSRA Student Vice President Colton Mize – Grandstand Arenas
7 p.m. – 11th Rodeo Performance sponsored by OCI, Solvay, Tata, Tronox – “Honor our Troops” -Grandstand Arenas – Cutting in Indoor Arena – Reined Cow Horse at Yellowstone Arena, Contestants, Spectators, Fans and Personnel are asked to wear Red to Honor our Troops
7:30 p.m. – Reined Cow Horse Short-Go Performance – Yellowstone Arena
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Contestant’s Dance – Breezeway
Saturday, July 18, 2015 – “Ram Rodeo Day”
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. – Daily Devotional with Cory Young– Jackpot Arena
8 a.m. – 12th Cutting Performance – Indoor Arena (PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME)
9 a.m. – 12th Rodeo Performance sponsored by Bank of the West – Grandstand Arenas (End of 2nd Go- Round – Awards immediately following Performance – In Front of Performance Arena Grandstands)
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – NHSFR Trade Show – Tradeshow Pavilions
2 p.m. – Cutting Final Go-Round Performance – Indoor Arena
3 p.m. – Finalist Meeting for all Rough Stock Arena Contestants – Exhibit Hall
3:30 p.m. – Finalist Meeting for all Timed Event Arena Contestants – Exhibit Hall
5:30 p.m. – Queen Contest Crowning Ceremony – Grandstand Arenas (Roll Call 5:15 p.m.) Featuring Retiring Address of NHSRA Queen Taylor Spears
6:40 p.m. – Presentation of the NHSRA Man/Woman of the Year – In Front of Grandstand Arenas
6:50 p.m. – Retiring Address of NHSRA Student President Samantha Kerr – Grandstand Arenas
7 p.m. – Rodeo Short Go-Round Performance sponsored by Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply – Grandstand Arenas (Short Go & National Champion Awards for all Events 30 minutes after Performance – Exhibit Hall)
Sunday, July 19,2015
8 a.m. – NHSRA Annual Meeting – Exhibit Hall
