CLAREMORE, Okla. – A commitment to rodeo fans in northeastern Oklahoma is a big reason for the success of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo.
Members of the Professional Rodeo Association have taken note of that distinction, and it’s a key reason why they have recognized Claremore’s rodeo as the Small Rodeo of the Year in 2014 and 2015. A big part of that award-winning atmosphere is the overall production of the rodeo and the outstanding animal athletes that are part of the competition.
“Having Pete Carr Pro Rodeo as our producer has been a big part of our rodeo’s success,” said David Petty, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, at Will Rogers Stampede Arena.
Tickets are on sale through the event’s website, www.WillRogersStampede.com, and include family packs and adult passes offered at a significant discount online.
“One of the things small rodeo committees are struggling with is we must have a product to keep people coming back, and Pete Carr Pro Rodeo brings that product that entices people to want to see that show,” he said. “Once people see it, the chances of them becoming a regular at the rodeo are higher.”
The Stampede will honor its 70th anniversary this year with a grand celebration, from the Downtown Hoedown on Thursday, May 26, to concerts after every rodeo performance: Adam Hood on Friday, Cooder Graw on Saturday and Cody Canada and The Departed on Sunday.
This year also marks the fourth straight season the Carr team has been part of Claremore’s rodeo production. It’s no coincidence that the Will Rogers Stampede has been named the top small rodeo two of the three years Carr has produced the event.
“Pete has been nominated as Stock Contractor of the Year four straight times, and he has the type of production and the kinds of animals that the contestants want to be associated with when they get to Claremore,” Petty said. “We’re proud to have an award-winning rodeo in Claremore, but a big part of that is having Pete and so many people he brings to town that are award winners, too.”
Over the last three seasons, the Carr firm has had more animals selected to perform at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo than any other livestock producer. There are 548 contestants that are scheduled to compete in Claremore this spring, which is a considerable statement to both the rodeo committee and the Carr team.
“We work really hard all year to produce the rodeos and feature the stock that will draw the top cowboys,” said Pete Carr, owner of the Dallas-based company. “We have a great group of hard-working people who care about the sport and everything that goes into it.”
The contestants know that, too.
“He’s surrounded himself with people who know what they’re talking about,” said saddle bronc rider Heith DeMoss, a seven-time NFR qualifier from Heflin, La. “You want to go to Pete’s rodeos, because you’re going to get on something good.”