SWEETWATER COUNTY – As the National High School Finals Rodeo rolls out of Rock Springs after another year of competition, the Sweetwater Events Complex reported this year was a big success.

Events Complex Marketing and Events Manager Kandi Pendleton told SweetwaterNOW contestant numbers were up this year while spectator numbers also topped last year. Pendleton said many people took advantage of the free trade show and the sportsman’s expo and it showed.

One of the big successes at this year’s NHSFR was the trade show. Pendleton said they have had a lot of positive feedback about the redesign of the trade show. Expect to see the changes made this year with the redesign stay the same for next year with a possible tweak here and there.

A new addition to this year’s event was the Sportsman Expo which was put together in a collaboration between the Sweetwater Events Complex and Muley Fanatics. Pendleton said the expo did alright but believed it would have benefited if there had been more time to develop it. The sportsman’s expo is something the Events Complex has discussed bringing to the area for several years. Pendleton said it is too early to say if it will be back next year but added they are already in conversations about it.

Attendance to this year’s rodeo performances were up on every day except Monday when Mother Nature decided to make an appearance.

“We had great attendance every night,” Pendleton said. “Even on Monday when we had a small hurricane blow through, there where still a lot of people who stuck it out. Overall, I would say 12 of the 13 performances were packed this year.”

Each year as the complex goes through the process of the event, Pendleton said it goes a little smoother each time they do it. She also explained that without one crucial element,  this event would not be possible.

This year, the Sweetwater Events Complex had 413 volunteers working to make the NHSFR a success. The volunteers handled contestant, horse and RV check-ins to name just a few of their responsibilities. They also took care of tickets and the gate at the performances.

“Volunteers are critical,” Pendleton said. “Without them, we would not be able to put on an event like this.”

Another thing Pendleton said the complex and the NHSFR saw this year was more of a buy in from the community. She said there were many residents who came out to the performances and could be seen daily, taking advantage of the free trade show. With next year being the final year the county will host the NHSFR, Pendleton said she really hopes residents will again come out and support this exciting event.

If residents have feedback on the event, they are asked to contact the Events Complex. Pendleton explained they listen to all feedback and welcome it to make improvements or to hear what the residents really liked about this year’s event.

There will be a new event added to next year’s rodeo. A Reined Cow Horse Competition will be added which Pendleton said the complex is looking forward to next year.

Even though next year is the final year Sweetwater County will host the event, the complex and other county and city officials are working on putting together a bid package for the future. There was talk of having three sites permanently host the event with the breakdown of two years National High School Rodeo, two years National Junior High Rodeo and then two years off with Rock Springs being one of those sites. Talks about the bid process and possible host sites will continue throughout the year.