GUYMON, Okla. – Community events don’t happen without dedicated volunteers.
That philosophy is in full force with the Kasey Hayes & Stormy Wing Invitational PBR BlueDEF Velocity Tour, set for 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena in Guymon.
“I enjoy doing it,” said Nina Webb, one of the primary volunteers for the event and also a member of the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo committee, which produces the rodeo each May. “It is hard work, but it’s always rewarding. People are so appreciative.”
They are also supportive. This marks the third straight year the Professional Bull Riders event has taken place in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the crowds have been phenomenal every July. Organizers are hoping fans will get an even better experience this year.
“Our first year when it was a Touring Pro, we had a great crowd,” Webb said. “Last year we had standing-room only. It was great.”
The premise of events like this are simple: Produce something that members of the community appreciate, enjoy and talk about. That’s why it takes a series of volunteers to handle all the duties that go into making each event a success.
“I would say 95 percent of what we get comes from the volunteers,” she said. “We also have some great sponsors who really help us. There are expenses that come from putting on a PBR BlueDEF Tour event, and we appreciate the sponsors very much.
“I am the sponsorship chairman, so I know how important sponsors are to this event. No matter the level, we know that we have some great people out there that support the PBR event in Guymon.”
It combines with a terrific workforce of people willing to donate their time and talents to support what Texas County has to offer. Made up of many farming and ranching families, the region once known as “No Man’s Land” is home to hard-working, gritty people.
They also know the Western way of life and enjoy having a world-class bull riding event in their area each summer.
“We have a lot of PBR fans in our area, people that really love bull riding,” Webb said. “Most of those people aren’t going to be able to drive six to 10 hours to see a PBR or to fly to a bull riding, but there are a lot of people that watch the PBR.”
“I’m thankful we can have one here that they can come to and enjoy an evening with their family.”
Advance tickets are $15, which provide a nice discount from the $20 gate admission. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.
“Last year we had 18 of the top 35 cowboys that are always on the Built Ford Tough Series events,” Webb said of the PBR’s premier tour. “I think that says a lot about what kind of bull riding we put on here.”
It also says a lot about the people that make it happen.